Discover Gerace: churches, art and coastal views

Gerace brings together sacred buildings from different periods, religious art and views across the coast and valley. If you are planning a stay, these highlights can help guide your interests: architectural history, individual works of art or the landscape. Having a clear idea of what interests you can also help when looking for a hotel in Gerace; the town offers a range of cultural points of interest.

Churches and architectural history

The Church of the Monastery of San Francesco d’Assisi dates from 1252 and has a distinctly Gothic design. San Giovannello, by contrast, is a Greek Orthodox church dating to the 11th century. Their different dates and traditions make these two buildings clearly distinct examples of sacred architecture in Gerace.

At Santa Maria del Mastro, a precise construction date is paired with an important cultural record: the church was built in 1084, as attested by a Greek inscription, and preserves significant evidence of the transition between Byzantine and Norman culture.

The Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is also architecturally complex. It is partly built into the rock and combines a Byzantine floor plan with typical features of Norman cathedrals. These different architectural forms make Gerace interesting for travellers who would like to explore religious architecture.

Religious art and collections

The cathedral crypt houses a first museum area with cathedral treasures and artefacts from the churches of San Martino, Sant’Anna, Carmine and Sacro Cuore.

The Diocesan Museum displays an extensive collection of furnishings and fittings from the cathedral, as well as from other places of worship and confraternities in the diocese. One of its notable pieces is the Staurotheke, a reliquary made of gilded silver, hardstones and pearls. It is attributed to the 12th century; Jerusalem or Norman workshops in Sicily are considered possible places of origin.

The cathedral museum also displays the Flemish tapestry Arazzo di Gerace, signed by Jan Leyniers (1630–1686). The Staurotheke and the tapestry differ in their materials and form, as well as in their dates.

Castle ruins and viewpoints

The remains of the Norman castle are in the upper part of the town. The Piazzale il Baglio, near the castle ruins, offers panoramic views over the valley. Le Bombarde, by contrast, provides a panoramic view of almost a hundred kilometres of coastline. These are two different perspectives on the landscape: a view into the valley and a sweeping view along the coast.

Exploring Gerace’s neighbourhoods on foot

The municipality recommends exploring the neighbourhoods on foot, as they are connected by main roads, to better appreciate the architectural sights. The recommendation draws attention to the different neighbourhoods and their buildings, rather than focusing on a single structure.

Explore Gerace offers more than 50 audio-guide listening points spread along the town’s streets. Check whether the service is available before travelling.

Local products at Il Borgo Incantato

Food interests also have a specific point of connection: during the three-day Il Borgo Incantato event, you can sample local products from the area at food stalls set up by Gerace residents. The offering is limited to the event period and complements the cultural and landscape highlights with an insight into regional products.

Discover more destinations: Marina Di Caulonia, Seminara, Favazzina, Santa Domenica, Tritanti, Martone, Monasterace Marina, Palizzi

For the main travel overview: Reggio Calabria.