Le Castella
The symbol par excellence is the Castello Aragonese, one of the most beautiful castles in Italy, thanks above all to the peculiarity of being located on an island, linked by a thin strip of land.
Le Castella
the Seaside Village
The symbol par excellence is the Castello Aragonese, one of the most beautiful castles in Italy, thanks above all to the peculiarity of being located on an island, linked by a thin strip of land. The name of Le Castella derives precisely from the presence of the castle that forms the backdrop to the village. Born as a fortress, over time it was transformed into a real residence.
The History
With an ancient history, the traces left by the past are palpable in the context in which it is set. Greeks, Aragonese, all landed in Le Castella. A strategic point thanks to the conformation of the land that sees it at the tip of the Gulf of Squillace.
Over five centuries of history immersed in the charm of a place that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Surrounded by crystal-clear water in one of the most beautiful stretches of sea in the area. The fortress dates back to the 15th century and was created to provide accommodation for soldiers deployed to defend the coast from constant attacks from the sea by enemies and pirates, especially Saracens. During recent archaeological studies, it became evident that the castle is an agglomeration of buildings from different eras.
The Aragonese castle stands on ancient foundations dating back to the period of ancient Magna Graecia around 400 BC. An interesting fact: Hannibal took refuge here during the Roman period.
The Village
A few metres from the narrow street leading to the castle, there is a very special piazza dedicated to a Saracen pirate: Uccialì, also known as the last of the great corsairs.
In a seaside village such as Le Castella, which bases its daily life on the sea, it could not fail to have a port, a magical place that has the ability to tell the story of the work of seafarers in just a few moments.
From the port, we can then go and see the small open-air archaeological site, which brings back memories of Greek stone-working architecture. In fact, these archaeological remains have been found around the castle and the port, proving the ancient presence of a Greek port.
The Marine Protected Area
Le Castella is located within the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area, an institution established in 1991 to safeguard and protect the still intact marine environments. The marine reserve begins at Capo Donato south of Crotone and ends at Le Castella. We are talking about one of the largest Marine Areas in Italy:with a very important fauna and flora that can be admired thanks to Acquavision’s activities in the area.
There are three integral reserve areas within it, in which it is forbidden for boats to enter and stop, fishing, collecting and damaging all animal and plant species. The coastline is characterised by alternating promontories and more or less wide gulfs, with inlets and low, sandy beaches. The area from Capo Rizzuto to Le Castella is the only flat part.
The Protected Marine Area was also created to safeguard the various archaeological remains, such as the wrecks of ancient boats found in the sea: this is an area that bears witness to a glorious past. The Ionian coast of Calabria was an important Colony of Magna Graecia and over time has witnessed various invaders: Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs who left an indelible mark. There are many Greek-Roman villas, unfortunately collapsed, built on the various promontories.
