Drapia: Between Byzantine Origins, Wine and Cultural Heritage

Drapia is an ancient settlement of Greek-Byzantine origin dating from the 8th to the 10th century. A viewpoint in Drapia offers views of the “Costa degli Dei” Regional Marine Park. The historical references are spread across Drapia, Carìa, Gasponi and Brattirò, as well as along the Fiumara Ruffa. For those interested in culture, Drapia brings together local history, sacred art, wine traditions and a circular route with clearly defined stops.

Castello Galluppi and historical memory

Castello Galluppi was the summer residence of the philosopher Pasquale Galluppi. A plaque at the castle commemorates the visit of the future Pope John XXIII on 4 November 1923.

Wine and local festivals

At the Sagra del Vino in Drapia on 10 August, wine from Drapia can be tasted. 10 August is therefore associated with the Sagra del Vino in Drapia and the opportunity to taste wine from Drapia there.

The Sagra da Sujaca includes the dance of the giants Mata e Grifone.

The Cammino di Ulisse and Carìa

The Cammino di Ulisse is laid out as a circular route: it begins at Castello Galluppi, descends from Carìa to the Fiumara Ruffa and ends back at Castello Galluppi. The circular route thus leads from Castello Galluppi via Carìa to the Fiumara Ruffa and then back to Castello Galluppi.

In Carìa, the Chiesa della Trasfigurazione contains an inlaid marble tabernacle from the former San Sergio e Bacco monastery. The Chiesa della Trasfigurazione in Carìa dates from 1660.

Also in Carìa is the Santuario della Madonna del Carmelo, which dates from 1906 and is a focal point of popular devotion.

The Chiesa della Trasfigurazione and the Santuario della Madonna del Carmelo date from different centuries: the Chiesa della Trasfigurazione from 1660 and the Santuario della Madonna del Carmelo from 1906.

Further historical traces

The Madonna del Carmine Chapel was built in 1897. Its ceiling is adorned with a canvas commissioned in 1953 from Ignazio Sambiase of Pizzo.

Torre Galli is the ruin of the former residence of the Galli family.

The remains of the Madonna del Cardillo church stand on the hill above Gasponi; the first records of the church date from 1451.

At the site known as “Santu Sidaru” below the present-day built-up area of Carìa are the remains of the ancient Sant’Isidoro monastery. The Sant’Isidoro monastery was founded in the 8th century by Basilian ascetics.

Near Gasponi, the Cardillo remains are located above, while at Santu Sidaru the Sant’Isidoro remains lie below the present-day built-up area of Carìa.

The Grotta di San Leo

The Grotta di San Leo is located on a steep slope of the Fiumara Ruffa and is difficult to access. When planning a visit to the Grotta di San Leo, the steep slope and difficult access must be taken into account.

The first four frescoes in the Grotta di San Leo probably date from the 16th century. Another fresco is attributed to the 11th century.

In Drapia, the Chiesa di San Cosma e Damiano in Brattirò is designated as a “sightseeing attraction”.

Further destinations for your trip to Italy

More places for planning your trip: Mongiana, Nicotera Marina, Ciaramiti, Maierato, Spilinga, Acquaro, Capistrano and Paravati.

For the overview of the wider travel area: Vibo Valentia.