Visit to the ghost village of Cirella Vecchia, among ruins and the sea

If you are looking for a place where you can rediscover the value of slow time, the silence that envelops the traces of history and the enchantment of nature, Cirella awaits you. This ghost village, perched on a hill, overlooks one of the most evocative stretches of the Riviera dei Cedri, with the small Island of Cirella making the view iconic.

Cirella is the only hamlet of Diamante (CS) and has an ancient history, marked by construction and destruction, of which precious traces remain scattered throughout the area. Fossil finds have made it possible to establish that it has been inhabited since the Upper Palaeolithic period. The Focesi, Lucani and Bruzi peoples populated it between 600 and 550 BC.

This delightful tourist resort was a thriving colony of Magna Graecia. In Roman times, Cerillae played a role in the Battle of Cannae (216 BC) during the Second Punic War. In the 9th century, frequent raids by Saracen pirates on the coast forced the inhabitants to move to the promontory, a safer place from which they could watch over the coast.

The new centre, medieval Cirella, was built on the hill and was a fortified town, protected by walls, inside which a castle, sacred buildings and noble palaces were built. Inside the walls there were two churches, the Church of San Nicola Magno (Mother Church) and the Church of Santa Maria della Neve, and outside the walls there were two more, the Church of the Annunciation and the Convent of San Francesco di Paola, with the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie attached. The site was finally abandoned during the Napoleonic era, when Cirella was bombarded by the French fleet. At this point, the village was deserted because the population moved to the coast, where the current town developed.

Despite the heavy scars left by historical events, the promontory overlooking this splendid stretch of water still retains its charm today. In every stone that preserves the memory of a glorious past, in the enchanting panorama that can be enjoyed here at any time of year.

The traces of ancient history and those of the medieval village, in particular the remains of the castle and churches - where frescoes, altars and pews are still visible - are now part of a fascinating itinerary for discovering Cirella, strolling among the ruins of the ancient settlement overlooking the sea and enjoying a breathtaking view of the Riviera dei Cedri. The Greek-style Ruins Theatre has been built in the archaeological area, which hosts concerts and shows in the summer.

When you arrive in Cirella, you will be enchanted by its distinctive 'mark': the small island, rich in charm and mystery. It is a rocky islet full of caves and coves, on top of which you can see the remains of a military tower dating back to 1500, built to spot Turkish pirates and avoid their attacks. The island has no moorings, so it can only be visited by canoe or by swimming, if you are an experienced swimmer. The treasure hidden in every underwater crevice also makes it a true paradise for diving enthusiasts.

You can enjoy the beauty of this stretch of the Tyrrhenian coast at any time of year, taking advantage of the often mild climate and the opportunity to stroll along the beach, sample typical specialities in one of the many restaurants and trattorias on the coast, and then take a dip into history on the promontory, where traces of the past evoke evocative images and ancient memories at every turn.