Motta San Giovanni
The charm of the Strait of Messina seen from the Castle of San Niceto
Town
Motta San Giovanni - Regione Calabria
As its name suggests, Motta San Giovanni, in the province of Reggio Calabria, has ancient origins, rooted in the ‘’motta castrale‘’ type of settlement: an artificial hillock with a defensive function. It is no coincidence that the first village, dependent on the site of Santo Niceto, was set on the panoramic hill where the castle stands today.
The Castle of Motta San Giovanni, known as the Castle of San Niceto (or Sant'Aniceto), is the architectural symbol of the area, as well as one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Calabria, facing the Strait of Messina and the fiery sunsets of the Aeolian Islands.
The Castle of Santo Aniceto, in Motta San Giovanni, is one of Calabria's best preserved and usable castles. Strategically located, its construction dates back to the 11th century and in 1268 it appears mentioned for the first time as a ‘’castrum‘’. The Motta San Giovanni Castle is surrounded by a mighty wall and a scarped tower, inside which there is still the cistern for collecting rainwater. Among the remains of the original building, one can make out the shapes of a sacred space and of the palace, which probably had a second floor.
Motta San Giovanni is famous for the craftsmanship of Pietra Bianca Reggina (or Leucopetra, from the Greek), extracted from the quarries at Capo d'Armi and Lazzàro. The former is also home to the Capo d'Armi Lighthouse, which stands on the Leucopetra Promontory and illuminates navigation in a very delicate stretch of sea; the latter is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. In the town centre, you can visit the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Useful information
What to know about Motta San Giovanni
Where to Sleep
There are 10 available accommodations.
Places
There are 2 places to visit.
Travel Ideas
There are 1 travel ideas.
No result
