Discover Simeri: Holiday accommodation in Simeri between castle ruins and churches

Simeri combines medieval local history with a distinctive location: As the older of the two urban settlement areas of Simeri Crichi, Simeri has medieval origins. The town lies on a rocky spur beside the river of the same name, the Simeri; the ancient Byzantine quarter of Grecìa is situated on a lower terrace. When choosing holiday accommodation in Simeri, you can therefore weigh up whether to focus on churches, ruins and local history or include additional destinations in the surrounding area.

Holiday accommodation in Simeri between history and landscape

The Convento dei Cappuccini was founded in 1594 and dedicated to Santa Maria degli Angeli. It had 13 cells and a church; it includes a cloister with an ornate monumental fountain, an underground cistern, remains of the church altar, two exterior cisterns and a well. The Chiesetta di San Leone was one of five parish churches in the Grecìa quarter and probably had Byzantine origins. Its ruin has survived on at least three sides. The Chiesa di San Fantino was the only surviving parish church of ancient Grecìa in Simeri. The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta contains the mortal remains of the holy martyr Innocenzo in an intricately crafted urn.

Jewish history is also connected with tangible traces. A Jewish marriage contract from 1439 is associated with the Giudecca of Simeri. The ruins of the S. Infantino chapel are considered one of the surviving architectural traces of Simeri's former Jewish quarter.

Caves, castle ruins and stone testimonies

A steep path through Simeri's derelict Grecìa quarter leads to the three rocky cavities known as the Grotte dei Santi. In the Grotte di San Bartolomeo, stone benches, stone resting places used as beds, storage and lamp niches carved into the rock, as well as the Achiropita Theotokos icon and depictions of the Evangelists, have been preserved. The Castello Bizantino is located in the immediate vicinity of Simeri and is a ruin site. It was built around the 10th to 11th century. Its remains include a slightly inclined section of wall in the southwest and a round tower that tapers towards the top. Simeri's Byzantine Castello Bizantino stood on a promontory from which the coastal plain below could be seen.

Palaces, museum and beaches in the surrounding area

The Palazzo Ferrari - de Riso and the Palazzo Fazzari, both palaces, as well as the Museo delle Carrozze, a museum, are located in the surrounding area of Simeri. The Panorama dal Monte Tiriolo viewpoint is also nearby. The beaches around Simeri include Spiaggia di Ruggero, Spiaggia di Maringoli and Spiaggia di Catanzaro Lido. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore weigh up whether to base your stay primarily around the historic sites in Simeri or also include beaches, a viewpoint, a museum and palaces in the surrounding area.

More places for planning your trip

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For the higher-level travel overview: Catanzaro.