Arena
Discovering the ancient feudal of Arena
Town
Castello Normanno-Svevo, Arena - Francesco Agostino
A small village at the foot of the Calabrian Serre mountains, surrounded by chestnut and beech woods. Arena, in the province of Vibo Valentia, tells an ancient story that can be read, layer by layer, by visiting its historic centre and the surrounding countryside.
Arena was a Roman municipium and a feudal estate in medieval times. It was such a large feudal estate that it was called the State of Arena. In 1536, the village was elevated to a marquisate by Charles V. The feudal estate was first in the hands of the powerful Norman Conclubet family, then the Acquaviva d'Aragona family, and finally the Caracciolo family.
At the top of the hill on which Arena stands, you can visit the ruins of the Norman-Swabian Castle, which was certainly an imposing manor house built to defend the territory. The fort dates back to the 11th century and was remodelled several times, but the earthquake of 1783 destroyed it almost completely. Only part of the corner towers and part of the perimeter walls remain standing. A medieval aqueduct dating back to the 16th century was built near the castle, the remains of which are still visible.
The village, with its winding streets and steep stairways, is rich in churches that preserve precious traces of the past. The Mother Church dedicated to Santa Maria de Latinis preserves a pulpit and two important wooden statues, but above all a silver reliquary of the Holy Cross dating back to the 15th century, which contains what were considered to be three of the thorns from Christ's crown and three fragments of the Cross. The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is in Baroque style, rich in decorations, frescoes, paintings and statues. Inside the town hall, there is an archive that represents a very important collection of documents on local history: ancient volumes on the history of the south and emigration, property deeds, title deeds, bequests, inventories of assets and land, and even trials, civil and criminal cases. Finally, inside Palazzo Cesarelli, there is a private collection of tapestries, paintings and 18th-century furniture.
The naturalistic aspect is undoubtedly what characterises this area, with its evocative Marchesale Biogenetic Nature Reserve, a Site of Community Interest covering an area of over 1545 hectares and extending along the mountainous slopes of the Calabrian Serre chain, up to an altitude of 1100 m. The reserve can be visited on foot via six nature trails designed specifically for trekking enthusiasts, but it is also possible to go horse riding. Among other natural wonders, the monumental silver fir can be admired within the reserve.
Traditions and rituals are kept alive in Arena, especially those related to religion. Thus, on Easter Monday, the Affruntata takes place, a representation of the meeting between the statues of the Virgin Mary and the Risen Christ.
Useful information
What to know about Arena
Where to Sleep
There are 1 available accommodations.
Places
There are 2 places to visit.
Travel Ideas
There are 1 travel ideas.
Infopoint Arena
Arena
No result
