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Cetraro Travel Guide

THINGS TO KNOW

Introduction
Arrival
History and culture

THINGS TO SEE

Churches and Museums
Historical buildings and monuments

ENTERTAINMENT

Events

USEFUL LINKS

Links

Introduction

Cetraro is an ancient seafront town in Southern Italy. Its name comes from the large quantity of citrus produced in the surrounding countryside. The town itself is picturesque as it perches on a cliff over the seaside resort down below. Cetraro is actually just one of 9 villages that share the same name, so the name really refers to a conglomerate of small villages. The small nucleus of the town is made up of 2 km of adjoining villages with a grocery, bakery and a few other stores.

The beach is one of the primary attractions and draws people on holiday from all over Italy as well as internationally. Pale sandy beaches and radiant waters make it an excellent site to enjoy the sun or surf.

Arrival

By Plane: Airport Lamezia Terme is the closest international airport. From here, travelers can take a taxi, rent a car, or take the railway to reach Cetraro.

By Car: Take the freeway Roma-Napoli-Reggio Calabria and exit in Lagonegro Nord. Then take the road N18 (coastal road) south or exit in Spezzano Terme and follow N283 road to Cetraro. The road through the town winds through the village and then back to the coastal highway.

By Train: The Cetraro train station is on the Roma-Salerno-Reggio Calabria line. This is a slower local line so a change must be made if arriving from a major city.

History and Culture

Cetraro has ancient origins and is probably the first seafront town of the Bruzi. The story of Cetraro is typical of the ancient port cities. Invaded, robbed, and partly destroyed over many centuries of invasion. Barbarian invaders tried repeatedly to take over Cetraro and its assets, its people, its pride. Invaders were not only interested in material assets or the ports flourishing trade, but especially the existence of a convenient and secure natural harbor which lies at the mouth of the river Aron.

Cetraro has belonged to Norman Robert Guiscard, and then to Benedictine's Abbey of Montecassino in 1086. Through this ownership Cetraro acquired a palace built in 1091 and located in Old Town. The town was a gift to the Abbot Desiderio IV Epifanio as a symbol of gratitude for the devotion shown at Melfi. For approximately 726 years, from 1086 to 1810, Cetraro was property of the Benedictines of Montecassino.

The town has felt the mark of these different rulers and has flourished economically, politically, and culturally. Today, the municipality is divided into: Cetraro Superiore and Borgo San Marco with entry made through the three main gates, a vestige of its defense system.

Churches and Museums

Church of San Benedetto
This church honoring Saint Benedict was decorated in the Baroque period with a wooden choir from the 18th century and interesting frescoes on the vault. The church hosts the Capuchin five paintings by Bernardo Azzolini, 1600, and carvings of local artists.

Church of the Capuchins - Inside this church local engravings are preserved.

Historical buildings and monuments

The Harbor - This artificially made harbor has been an asset over the centuries and recent renovations have made it more useable than ever. Enclosed is a small quiet bay. The entrance is such that it keeps out almost all sea action.

Statue of Christ - A 100-foot tall statue of Christ crests the hill with open, welcoming arms outstretched.

Three Main Gates - The gates are named: di Mare, di Basso and di Sopra. These gates are from when Cetraro was a fortified

Events

Fashion Sea This is a large fashion event held every year at the Port of Cetraro. Sponsored by the city, province, and region, the event has drawn such names as Loredana Bertè, Anna Tatangelo, Miou Miou, Patrizia Rossetti, Vanessa Incontrada, Eleonoire Casalegno, Vittoria Belvedere, Elisabetta Gregoraci and more. It is a contest in which young designers offering their creations in a parade that is brought before a jury. Besides the fashion show, there is a real show with musical guests and dancers.

Festival San Benedetto Abate - Held on July 11, this is a festival of the courts "Riviera of the Cedars". Feasting on traditional local platters of 'rosamarina' or baby bluefish is a Cetraro holiday ritual that no one should miss.

Links

Treni Italia

Transport

Hotels in Cetraro
Hotel Parco Dei Principi Twin room - From 67€ Visit hotel page
Hotel Sea Breeze Twin room - From 50€ Triple room - From 75€ Quadruple room - From 100€ Visit hotel page
Hotel Piccolo Mondo Single room - From 30€ Twin room - From 39€ Triple room - From 49€ Visit hotel page
Hotel La Sorgente Single room - From 29€ Double room - From 45€ Triple room - From 68€ Visit hotel page