Gerace

Gerace is an Italian town in the province of Reggio Calabria in Calabria with 2718 inhabitants ( 31 December 2012).

Location and data

Gerace is located 93 km northeast of Reggio Calabria. The neighboring municipalities are Agnana Calabra Antonimina, Canolo, Cittanova, Locri and Siderno. The village lies on the northeast side of Aspromonte on a hill. The place is a bishopric.

The foundation of the town is unknown.

Attractions

The Assumption Cathedral dates from the 11th century. It was renovated in the 13th century. The cathedral is 73 m by 26 m large and thus the largest church in Calabria. The church has the shape of a basilica. The interior consists of three naves, they are separated by ten columns. The crypt has Byzantine character.

Next worth seeing is the Gothic ruins of the church of S. Francesco in the 17th century. From the defense system of the Middle Ages only ruins of the citadel have been preserved. Next is visible a tower of the castle.