Discover Simeri: History on a Rocky Spur

Simeri is the older of the two urban settlements in Simeri Crichi and has medieval origins. The town sits on a rocky spur beside the river of the same name, the Simeri. Its history can be explored at a range of sites: from the remains of the Byzantine castle to churches and a former monastery complex, as well as rock-cut sites in the historic Grecìa district.

Medieval origins and the castle remains

Simeri’s Castello Bizantino was built around the 10th to 11th century. It stood on a promontory overlooking the coastal plain below. Its remains include a slightly sloping section of wall to the southwest and a round tower that tapers towards the top. These features give the castle ruins a distinctive architectural outline, setting them apart from the history of the churches and monastery complex.

The monastery and churches of Simeri

The Convento dei Cappuccini was founded in 1594 and dedicated to Santa Maria degli Angeli. Historical accounts mention 13 cells and a church. Features of the complex that have survived include a cloister with an ornate monumental fountain, an underground cistern, remains of the church altar, two exterior cisterns and another fountain. The different structures make the monastery a destination in its own right for travelers interested in historic architecture.

The churches in the Grecìa district also tell the story of the town’s religious history. The Chiesetta di San Leone was one of five parish churches there and probably had Byzantine origins. Its ruins have survived on at least three sides. The Chiesa di San Fantino was the only surviving parish church in ancient Grecìa in Simeri. The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta houses the mortal remains of the holy martyr Innocenzo in an ornately crafted urn.

Grecìa, rock-cut sites and traces of history

The ancient Byzantine district of Grecìa lies on a lower terrace. The Grotte di San Bartolomeo contain stone beds and stone resting places that were used as beds. There are also storage and lamp niches carved into the rock, the Achiropita Theotokos icon and depictions of the Evangelists. These details bring traces of everyday life together with religious art.

A steep path leads through the ruined Grecìa district to three rock cavities known as the Grotten dei Santi. If you plan to visit this site, check in advance whether the path is currently accessible. The Grotten dei Santi are a separate named destination from the Grotte di San Bartolomeo, so you can distinguish the two sites when planning your trip.

Clues to the former Jewish quarter are also part of the town’s history. A Jewish marriage contract from 1439 is associated with Simeri’s Giudecca. The ruins of the S. Infantino chapel may be among the surviving architectural traces of the former quarter.

Planning your trip to Simeri

Whether you are particularly interested in medieval origins, religious buildings, castle remains or rock-cut sites, Simeri offers a range of historical highlights to help you plan your stay. If you are looking for a hotel, enter Simeri as your destination and compare the options to find the one that suits your personal requirements.

Discover more destinations: Girifalco, Soveria Simeri, Roccelletta, Falerna, Pianopoli, Marcellinara, Botricello, Squillace

For the broader travel overview: Catanzaro.