Roccella Ionica, in the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria, is an unmissable pearl of the Jasmine Coast. As a testament to its beauty, it has been awarded the Blue Flag by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) since 2020 for its care for the environment, especially the marine environment. From a historical point of view, however, its origins date back to Magna Graecia: it is said to be the ancient ‘Amphisya’ mentioned by Ovid. Two monolithic columns made of Egyptian porphyry, which belonged to a pagan temple, can also be admired on the seafront, found in 1863 by local fishermen. The discovery tour of the village includes: the watchtower known as the Pizzofalcone Tower; the remains of a castle; the Mother Church of San Nicola di Bari built at the beginning of the 20th century to replace the previous Mother Church; the Church of San Nicola Ex Aleph built in 1469 by sailors from Marseilles; the Church of Santa Anastasia from the 18th century, known as ‘a chiesa d'u burgu’ (‘the church of the village’) the 17th-century Church of San Giuseppe, which was used as a burial place for many years (several tomb slabs can still be found on the floor); the Church of the Madonna della Pietà, in contrada Lacchi; and the Sanctuary of Madonna Santissima delle Grazie, built in 1545 after the sailor from Palermo, Onofrio Buscemi, and his crew saved themselves from a storm off the coast of Roccella after making a vow to the Virgin. There are also many historical palaces and villas to admire, such as Carafa Palace. But Roccella Ionica is not only a treasure chest of natural and historical treasures. It preserves its cultural roots, handed down through events and typical cuisine, at the service of tourists, the curious and returning emigrants who would like to know more about the most authentic Calabria. Every first Sunday in July, first of all, there is the feast in honor of Maria S.S. delle Grazie, patron saint of the town's sailors, while the patron saint San Vittore Martire is celebrated on 21 May. Other eagerly awaited events are the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on the third Sunday in September, the ‘Ncrinata “I Pasca” or “Inchinata di Pasqua” (the meeting between the statues of the Risen Jesus and the Madonna, mediated by St John) and the Ballo del Ciuccio (Donkey Dance) in honor of St Joseph on the first Sunday in August. Among the typical dishes of the Jasmine Coast, the following are worth tasting the ‘Stocco di Mammola’, which is cooked with tomatoes, chili peppers, Tropea onions, olives, potatoes and extra virgin olive oil; ‘Frittelle di sardella’ (Rosamarina or Biancomangiare); ‘Spaghetti alla Corte d'Assise’, seasoned with tomato, chili peppers, garlic and parsley the omelet with wild asparagus and sausage; and the ‘Pezzo Duro’ typical of the village of Gioiosa Ionica (a kind of ice-cream log consisting of three flavors including chocolate, cream, hazelnut or alternatively torroncino). Among history, culture, traditions and flavors, Roccella Ionica is ready to offer all the souls of Calabria to every traveler passing through.
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