Gerace
Norman Dream and Byzantine Jewel
Gerace, located in the province of Reggio Calabria, is an ancient medieval village ranked among Italy’s top ten most beautiful villages. It holds the Orange Flag from the Touring Club, is listed among Italy’s 100 Destinations, and is part of the Borghi della Salute and UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Also known as “the city of a hundred churches,” Gerace offers breathtaking views of the Ionian coast and the Aspromonte mountains, thanks to its enchanting location between the sea and the mountains.
The village has ancient origins, dating back to the 7th-8th century BC, when it was founded by Greek settlers from the nearby polis of Locri Epizephiri. A city rich in history that it bears witness to the passage of different cultures over the centuries.
Known as “Norman Dream” and “Byzantine Jewel,” the village is characterized by a maze of narrow streets, lovely little squares, and staircases winding through stone houses and historic buildings.” tone houses and historic buildings. Among its most significant landmarks are the Cathedral—one of the largest in southern Italy, with its imposing bell tower—the Church of San Francesco di Assisi, famous for its polychrome altar decorations, and the Church of San Giovannello, the oldest Orthodox church in Italy.
