Discover Sant'Andrea Apostolo dello Ionio

Sant'Andrea Apostolo dello Ionio combines the coast, higher elevations, medieval local history, religious buildings and a culinary festive tradition.

Between Sea Level and Higher Elevations

The area of Sant'Andrea Apostolo dello Ionio stretches from sea level up to an elevation of 1,071 metres. At the same time, Sant'Andrea Apostolo dello Ionio has four kilometres of coastline. Those who do not want to spend their days exclusively by the sea will find a place where different natural and cultural aspects can be explored side by side.

In the area of the Torrente Alaca, there are several small natural waterfalls among beech and chestnut forests. The stream and the forests complement the coast with a distinctly different landscape. A section of beach between the Fosso Cupido and the Torrente Alaca is also of particular significance: in 2009, it was placed under a landscape protection requirement recognising its landscape and ecological importance.

A Medieval Historic Centre and a Long History

The historic centre of Sant'Andrea Apostolo dello Ionio is a well-preserved medieval village with a maze of narrow lanes and streets. Some of these routes are still paved with granite slabs. The settlement emerged between the 10th and 11th centuries near a Basilian grangia.

The Church of San Nicola di Cammerota was built in the 11th or 12th century on Poggio di Condò, 200 metres north of the grangia. It combines Byzantine architecture with Arab-influenced polychromy, as found in classical examples in Sicily and Spain. At the corners, on the inner apse arch, at the door and around the windows, white limestone alternates with black stone of volcanic origin. These material contrasts in particular give the building a clearly recognisable architectural character.

The Convento delle Suore Riparatrici del Sacro Cuore is located in the Palazzo Scoppa. The palazzo was a former Carthusian grangia dating from the 12th century; its interior includes, among other features, a magnificent loggia with sixteen granite columns. Another striking building is the Torre dell'Orologio. The 18-metre-high tower takes the form of a triangular bastion tower with a high, sloping base crowned by a granite stone moulding.

Churches, Frescoes and Material Culture

The Chiesa di Campo was destroyed in the devastating earthquake of 1783 and subsequently rebuilt in the 19th century with new paintings and restorations. Its Byzantine frescoes include the Deesis, the Annunciation and the Koimesis, that is, the Dormition of the Mother of God.

The Chiesa di Sant’Andrea also contributes to the town's religious art history through its decorative elements and has a ramp at the outer entrance, making the exterior staircase more accessible.

The Museo della Memoria presents the material culture of the surrounding area. During a religious ceremony, the statues of the resurrected Jesus and the Madonna, carried by members of the confraternities, meet on the main street.

Fiscottino and Local Festive Tradition

Fiscottino is also part of the local character. It is a crisp, ring-shaped baked product with fennel seeds, traditionally associated with the celebrations before weddings and usually accompanied by homemade liqueurs. Today, Fiscottino is still considered a festive dish. It is made from durum wheat and soft wheat flour, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, salt, sourdough starter and fragrant fennel seeds.

Other Places in Calabria

Other places in Calabria include Simeri Mare, La Petrizia, Curinga, Falerna, Cropani Marina, Santa Eufemia Lamezia, Copanello and Stalettì.

More from Calabria: Catanzaro.