The Cattolica of Stilo is one of the most evocative examples of Byzantine architecture in Italy. Located in Stilo, a small town in the province of Reggio Calabria, on the slopes of Monte Consolino, this church dates back to the 9th-10th century and is a true jewel that attracts numerous tourists and art and history enthusiasts. The name “Cattolica” comes from Greek Catholic (Katholikì), and was used in the Byzantine era to indicate churches with a baptistery.
Characteristics of the place of worship
The Catholic Church of Stilo has a Greek cross plan, three apses and five small domes (one of which is the largest in the centre), which rise on cylindrical drums. The facade is characterized by a portico with overlapping arches. Inside you can see four columns with capitals overturned, some of which are believed to come from ancient Kaulon.
The walls, which were originally completely frescoed, today preserve some frescoes, discovered in 1927 and completely restored. Among these: Christ Pantocrator in the vault, the Dormition of the Virgin and the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple.
On the UNESCO candidate list
One of the most fascinating details of the Cattolica di Stilo is its panoramic position, which offers a breathtaking view of the valley below and the Ionian Sea. The church is in fact located on a rocky ridge which makes it visible from afar. The Cattolica di Stilo is a place of worship still used today by the local community for religious celebrations and special events.
The thousand-year history and artistic beauty of the Cattolica di Stilo make it a place of rare beauty that certainly deserves a visit. Since 2006, together with 7 other Basilian-Byzantine Calabrian sites, it has been part of the list of candidates to become part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Over time, the church underwent few restoration interventions. He dealt with the first that occurred in the modern age Paul Bears. The latter, in addition to two interventions with brief wall consolidations, and the partial restoration of some frescoes, carried out archaeological investigations external and internal to the building.
In 2009, the Superintendency proposed the construction of a Catholic Park, or an equipped area where visitors had the opportunity to linger. If you are in Calabria, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Cattolica of Stilo and immerse yourself in the beauty and spirituality of this unique place in the world. It will be an unforgettable experience that will leave you speechless.
(Photo: Cattolica di Stilo, Facebook page)
Leave a comment (0)