Description of the attraction
Rocca Imperiale, whose name can be translated as "imperial rock", is a popular resort located in the Italian region of Calabria on the Ionian coast. Only about 3, 5 thousand people live permanently in the town, but in the "high" season its population increases significantly due to tourists! In general, the Rocca Imperiale resort is relatively young. It was formed around the more ancient settlement of the same name, which lies in the depths of the peninsula at a distance of 4 km from the sea. This ancient Rocca Imperiale once played an important role as it was favorably located on the route from Puglia to Calabria. The city was founded in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II and was named after the majestic castle perched on the rock. The place for the construction of the castle was not chosen by chance - a beautiful view of the entire Taranta Bay opens up from the cliff from the "heel" to the "toe" of the Italian "boot". The castle itself, of which only fragments of walls, bastions and bridges have survived, is currently under reconstruction under the auspices of UNESCO. Other attractions in Rocca Imperiale include the 15th-century cathedral, the churches of Sant Antonio and Santa Maria, the Madonna della Nova chapel and the Wax Museum, housed in an old monastery.
Rocca Imperiale is the last settlement on the Calabrian coast of the Ionian Sea. Its gorgeous beach, about 7 km long, connects with the beach of the neighboring resort of Nova Siri and attracts thousands of tourists. I must say that there are not very many hotels on the territory of the resort, mainly guesthouses are located here. More fashionable places to stay can be found in Nova Siri - the hotels there have four or more stars.
The "highlight" of Rocca Imperiale has long been the lemons grown here, which are exported throughout Italy. Every year, in the summer, the town hosts the Lemon Festival, during which you can buy lemon honey, limoncello liqueur, lemon jams, syrups and liqueurs, as well as all kinds of products in the form of these citrus fruits. On the same days, a theatrical performance takes place in the style of the Middle Ages with trumpeters, drummers, knights and beautiful ladies.
