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 Introduction
The area is one of Arabia's most important strong-holds on their quest to succeed the collapsing Roman-Empire. The city's name “Amantea” is of Arabic origin. It comes from “Al Mantiah”, meaning “strong hold.” The Arabic presence is strong and lasting, even if it was not constant.
Arrival Plane
Airport Lamezia Terme is 30 km away from Amantea. From here, travelers can take a taxi, rent a car, or take the railway to reach Amantea.
Train
Amantea has its own stop on the railway line close to the center of town.
Car
From the North:
Take Highway A3 and exit at Lagonegro. Take the SS 18 for about 100 km till coming to the Amantea exit.
From the South:
Take Highway A3, and exit at Falerna. Continue north on the SS 18 for about 15 km till Amantea.
History and Culture
The Bruzi, Calabria's native people, were a tribe of warriors. They are said to have kept out the Greek occupation for decades. This is the reason for Amantea being low in Greek architecture. Eventually, the Bruzi were taken over by the Romans who wiped out most traces of the area's ancient ancestry.
The area was used by the Romans as an “Ager” for the specific purpose of sending produce to use in Imperial Rome. A large port was built to facilitate these needs and the port has continued to develop over the decades.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, present-day Calabria was divided into two parts: Longbardian and Byzantine. The border between these two new nations became Amantea. The area was controlled by the Byzantines who built a castle and walls to safeguard the border. The castle is still prominent on the hills above the town, but the Byzantine's power eventually faded. In 839 Amantea fell to the Arabs, who created an Emirato, a state around the city.
In modern day Amantea is also divded into two parts. The historical center, located on the hill above the “new” city, where shops, restaurants and piazzas line a main boulevard. It's a friendly town and tourists should find no problem in finding their way around here.
Churches and Museums
This church is an important example of the late Gothic style in Calabria. It was built in 1436 on a hilly site outside the ancient walls of Amantea. On the facade of the church there are grooves where there were once medieval Islamic decorations. One of the most distinguished groups of marble are the Madonna and child, by Antonello Gagini carved in 1505.
Historical Buildings and Monuments
The castle lies flat on top of the hill rocky overlooking the ancient village. Formed in the shape of a quadrilateral with two sides surrounded by a moat with a bridge and the other two on a cliff, the castle is easily defendable. It has four corner towers of which the oldest is circular-based escarpment. Over time the castle was restored several times, readjusted and expanded.
La Torre
In connection with the castle, this tower stands near the entrance gate. It is perfectly cylindrical, with the masonry making a polygonal base. Its construction can be traced back to Swabian times in the XIII century.
The Cinta Muraria
Amantea's history as a medieval walled city can be observed by the various sections of walls. The walls lines were re-drawn and readapted several times to fit new needs.
U Turriune
This 14th century tower stands overlooking the sea on a cliff. Most likely built in XVI, it was one of the many look-out towers.
Festivals and Events
Like much of Italy, Carnival is celebrated in Amantea. Involving all ages, there is dancing and parades. Bands make clear reference to the cultural tradition of Amantea and boasts that the town has one of the oldest Musical Bands of Italy. The Carnival of Amantea is also culinary tradition. In homes and in restaurants the “omelet Carnival” is enjoyed, a succulent spaghetti omelet seasoned with sausage, cheese and greaves.
Weekly Market
Held every Saturday, the market is a place for all nearby centers to gather and sell their wares. Produce, meats, and goods are sold.
Links
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Amantea Travel Guide
Twin room - From 150€
Single room - From 35€
Twin room - From 95€