That is Amantea wrapped up in one word. This coastal town ranks high up on the list of picturesque and uniquely charming towns belonging to the coast of Calabria, Italy. Amantea is actually part of the province of Cosenza. However, it rates a special mention because of its beauty. This quaint fishing village stands on a hill over the Adriatic coast on the river Catocastro. It was just recently developed into a summer resort.
Amantea is a dazzling combination of coastline, rocky crags, stone walls, and hilly countryside. Its historical monuments and natural charms invite you to explore and discover. It holds you in thrall, not just with its prettiness but also with its historical significance.
Amantea is near, Campora, Corica, Belmonte, Paola
Its name gives a strong indication of its distinctive history as one of the most important of all Arabic strongholds in Italy. In fact, Amantea comes from the Arabic “Al Mantiah”, which means, well, stronghold.
But Amantea’s history stretches way back before the Arabs. Proof of this is the fact that the area in and around the Savuto River yielded numerous Bronze and Iron age artifacts. It has, however, changed hands for quite a number of times. First to the Brutti, then to the Greeks, then the Romans, the Longobordians and Byzantinges, the Arabs, down to its present day culture and civilization.
Amantea was home to the legendary Brutti, who were natives of Calabria and were renowned warriors. They kept the Greek occupation at bay but were unable to withstand the Romans. Hence, there are no Greek structures in the town, unlike the rest of Calabria, which are redolent with evidences of the Greek’s presence.
Vast tracts of land near Amantea were used to provide Rome with some necessary crops. This was when Amantea became one of the important Roman ports of call – this arose from the need to transport produce from Amantea to Rome.
This town also served as the border between two new nations: Longobardian and Byzantine. Here, the Byzantines built the first stronghold (a castle) to protect this important border. However, in 839, it eventually fell into Arab hands, who then created a state surrounding the city.
Fast forward to modern day Amantea, which still holds vestiges of its historical heritage. Modern Amantea basically has two main sections. The first is the historical center, the Old Town, which is set high above the hill. Here you may find remnants of its illustrious past, you can delve into narrow streets to find the historical treasure awaiting you at its unexpected corners. Be sure to visit the Church of San Bernardino, with its monastery. This church boasts of an ornate Gothic portal with alcoves filled with ceramic ornaments. Also, do drop by the ruins of the Byzantine castle.
The second is the “new” and modern city. This is where you can shop, eat and just plain amble about. Amantea’s main boulevard is lined with quaint old stores and modern shops, restaurants and piazzas. Don’t worry, the people are warm and friendly. That is part of Amantea’s charm.
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