If you are in Calabria and you love nature this is a must. Off the coast between Diamante and Cirella, in the province of Cosenza, there is a small island which represents a real spectacle of nature. To visit absolutely. The island of Cirella is located on the north western coast of the Calabrian Tyrrhenian Sea. It is located in the middle of the sea, opposite the built-up area of the hamlet of Cirella, from which it takes its name. It is made of limestone along its entire perimeter, so much so that it is frequently affected by erosion phenomena, which have jagged its coast giving life to caves and inlets. To promote this place, itineraries are often organized. The island, in fact, can be reached by boat or aboard a simple pedal boat.
The island of Cirella, its history
This site has an area of 0,12 square kilometers. It then reaches a maximum height of about 40 meters. Rich in flora typical of the Mediterranean scrub, but also enriched by groves of euphorbio and lemons. Furthermore, the seabed on the east side has a rich marine vegetation, such as the Posidonia Oceanica. Also found specimens of the pinna nobilis, mollusc typical of this alga. But the island of Cirella is not only a site of great naturalistic interest. In fact, in the highest part of the island there are the ruins of a military fortification.
It is commonly called Torre dell'Isola di Cirella. It has a square plan with sides about 10 meters long and walls three or four meters thick. Its construction dates back to 1562 and was allegedly built by the viceroy of Naples. It had a defense role, to prevent the assault of Turkish pirates on the town of Cirella. Over the years, amphorae dating back to the Greek-Roman period have also been found. So it is likely that the island may have archaeological finds dating back to earlier times.
Itineraries to reach the town
Especially in summer, the Calabrian coast is full of seaside resorts. And this is no exception. For this reason, itineraries are also promoted to reach the island of Cirella. To get there, you can start from the beach in front or from the small port of Diamante. As soon as you reach the island you can cross it on foot. But also climbing up to the top to reach the ruins of the ancient tower.
Not only the island, the hamlet of Cirella is also worth a visit
But if you have reached this coast you can take the opportunity to visit the hamlet of Cirella as well. Its origins date back to 1200 BC In fact it was one of the first cities in the area founded by the Ausoni, ancient populations of Indo-European lineage. Over time and in various eras it has suffered many destructions and then reconstructions. It is an ancient medieval village, with a perched structure typical of the Byzantine-Norman centers of the upper Calabrian Tyrrhenian. To visit the castle, the church of San Nicola Magno, the Church of the Annunziata, the , of the ruins.
What are you waiting for then? When we return to travel a tour in Calabria cannot be missed. And therefore also on the island of Cirella and along the localities of the entire Tyrrhenian coast of the region.
The other photos are taken from the Cirella Island Facebook page
