During an emotion-packed weekend, we will visit the important Byzantine centers where there are still intact remains of the ancient Empire. Gold-work treasures and architectural masterpieces framed by an enchanting landscape.
Day 1
The “Cattolica” of Stilo and the Tower Apses of the Cathedral of Gerace
Arrival in the morning at Stilo, a little town set against Mount Consolino, full of religious buildings in the Eastern architectural style. We will visit the “Cattolica”, dating from the 10th century A.D.; the little square-plan Byzantine church is topped by 5 little domes on cylindrical bases. In the afternoon, tour of Gerace; in addition to the important 11th century Cathedral, the town also offers other treasures: the Byzantine Chapel of Santa Maria del Mastro, the little church of San Giovannello, now in a state of neglect, and the remains of the Castle, built in 1100, which still overlook the inhabited area. In the evening, departure for Crotone, dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
2
The “Black Virgin” of the Cathedral of Crotone and the “Codex Purpureus”
After breakfast we will start the tour of the town, from the Cathedral, in which are kept the panel of the Virgin of Capo
Colonna and the treasure of sacred gold-work. Near Crotone, in Santa Severina, we will visit the oldest Byzantine monument of Calabria: the Baptistery, dating from the 8th century, next to the Cathedral of Santa Anastasia. In the afternoon, departure for Rossano and visit to the Church of San Marco, a Byzantine gem of the town. In the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art we
will be able to admire the “Codex Purpureus”, the largest and most precious illuminated codex of the Gospel, consisting of 376 pages, written in silver and gold, and including 14 fullpage illuminated plates. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
3
The Pathirion and the Mosaics of Sant’Adriano
At Rossano, also worthy of a visit is the Panaghia: the Greek name connects the little church to the Byzantine cult of the “All Holy” or “Most Holy” Virgin. At a height of 600 m. above sea level, between Rossano and Corigliano, we will visit the ancient cenobium of the Pathirion, in the middle of the woods; the church, in Arab-Norman style, with a nave and two aisles, still has fragments of Arab-style mosaics; of the monastery, dating from the 12th century, only the masonry round arches and the remains of the bell tower remain. In the afternoon, at San Demetrio Corone, at the edge of the Greek Sila, we will visit the important Norman Basilian church of Sant’Adriano (10th-12th century); inside are magnificent mosaics of
zoomorphic figures.
