Torre Di Ruggiero: History, Sanctuaries and Forest Trails

Torre Di Ruggiero combines sacred buildings, historic palazzi, traces of former fortifications and dense forests into a destination where cultural history and nature meet within a compact thematic area.

Churches, Sanctuaries and Works of Art

The Chiesa Santa Domenica Vergine e Martire was built between the 10th and 11th centuries and has been rebuilt, altered and restored several times over the course of time. It is considered a national historic monument. Its long construction history makes it an important testament to the development of sacred architecture in Torre Di Ruggiero, without its appearance being attributable to a single era.

The Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie plays a special role. It was rebuilt in 1858 after the earthquake of 1783 destroyed the previous church. The sanctuary is also attributed to a Basilian “Dacia”, supposedly dating from the 9th or 10th century. The statue of the Madonna delle Grazie is also part of the religious and artistic tradition: it is a Neapolitan work and was donated in 1871 by King Vittorio Emanuele II.

The Chiesa dell’Immacolata also brings together various historical layers. It was restored while preserving its old Norman fabric. A finely decorated loggia stands out at the Palazzo Jannoni. The Palazzo Ravaschieri is an imposing historic building with two levels; its entrance is through a round-arched granite portal. Details such as these draw attention to façades, architectural elements and materiality, which you can consciously observe when exploring the town from a cultural perspective.

Piazzas, Fountains and Historic Traces

Piazza Ravaschieri is located on the site of an old silk mill, thus pointing to an earlier economic use of the area. The Torre dell’orologio is an ancient watchtower. The Monument to the Three Fountains is located near Piazza del Popolo. The historic features also include the ancient Fonte Lupo, which was restored with local stone and contains historic tools from peasant life, including ploughs, pickaxes, axes, sickles, horseshoes and a door key.

The clearly recognisable radial town plan provides useful orientation in the centre. It is connected with the former fortifications. The ruins of the former Augustinian monastery of Nostra Signora del Carmine date back to a monastery built in 1534, which was later extended.

Forest Trails and Religious Tradition

Dense forests surround Torre Di Ruggiero, crossed by numerous paths that invite you to go hiking.

The festival in honour of Santa Maria delle Grazie takes place every year in September and draws pilgrims and tourists to the diocesan sanctuary.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

If you are planning your trip to Italy beyond Torre Di Ruggiero, you can also include Santa Caterina Dello Ionio, Decollatura, Cropani, Taverna, Catanzaro, Soverato Marina, Copanello and Badolato Marina in your wider selection.

For the overview of destinations at the higher level: Catanzaro.