Weekend in Rocca Imperiale, among The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy

Ready to discover the territory of Rocca Imperiale, one of The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy?

We are in the Upper Ionian Sea in the province of Cosenza, intent on climbing the road that leads from the Marina di Rocca Imperiale to its historic centre and the Castle of Rocca Imperiale, a symbol of ancient times.

Along the way, the unmistakable scent of orange blossom reminds us that we are in the area where the prized Rocca Imperiale IGP Lemons, one of the excellences of Calabrian agri-foodstuffs.

Once in the village, we discover the wonders that Rocca Imperiale has in store for us: what to see and what to do.

What to see in Rocca Imperiale

The "fortress" proper, soars at the top of the historic centre and is identified in the monumental geometry of the Rocca Imperiale Castle, at the foot of which the town is arranged, a crib suspended between the sea and the mountains.

The houses, arranged in tiers at the foot of the fortress, are separated by lanes and steep slopes, like a pyramid that slopes gently down to the sea from above. Because of these characteristics, the village of Rocca Imperiale has been chosen by many filmmakers as a natural set: director Pupi Avati (Le nozze di Laura, 2015) and the beloved Totò, (Destinazione Piovarolo, 1955) have filmed here. 

One of the places not to be missed in the historical centre of Rocca Imperiale is the Monastery of the Observant Friars, with its beautiful cloister with cistern and portico. Today, the monastery houses an interesting Wax Museum (with a realistic reproduction of Totò himself and other famous people, such as Giuseppe Verdi).

In pure Romanesque style is the Mother Church dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, which, together with the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Chapel of the Rosary, rich in 18th-century statues of the Neapolitan school, and San Giovanni, best represents the worship and sacred works of Rocca Imperiale.

Castle of Rocca Imperiale

Built by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, thus among the Frederician castles in Calabria, the Castle of Rocca Imperiale was defended by archers and crossbowmen who lurked behind the loopholes and battlements.

The Turks, who landed in Rocca Imperiale in four thousand on 29 June 1644, failed to conquer the fortress, setting it on fire in retaliation.

Over the next two centuries, different feudal lords took turns governing the territory until the Bourbon period, during which the curtains of the Rocca Imperiale Castle were protected by 25 pieces of artillery. 

Rocca Imperiale Marina

After a nice stroll through the village, we return once again to the Costa degli Achei and visit Marina di Rocca Imperiale, bathed by the Ionian Sea for 7 km of coastline.

What to do in Marina di Rocca Imperiale? Between water sports and relaxing on the beach, there is no shortage of historical sites to visit, such as the imposing 18th-century Magazzino built by Duke Fabio Crivelli to celebrate Rocca Imperiale's maritime and commercial importance, and the 16th-century Watch Tower, erected against Saracen raids.

The sites of Monte Soprano, Masseria Saliva, Timpone Ronzino and Murge Santa Caterina belong to the archaeological context of the ancient sybaritide.

The beach of Rocca Imperiale

Have you decided to spend your summer holidays in Rocca Imperiale?

You will be spoilt for choice, with cliffs and coves awarded the Blue Flag and Legambiente Sails.

Find your beach in Rocca Imperiale by browsing the San Nicola Beach and the Seafront Beach, which offers a wonderful view of the Swabian Castle.