Discover Rocca Imperiale: Castle, Alleys and the Cammino Basiliano
Rocca Imperiale among Castle, Alleys and Landscapes
In the centre of Rocca Imperiale, a dense network of narrow alleys separates blocks of houses, palaces, churches and small squares. The alleys lead to the Castello Svevo and are reminiscent of the typical structure of medieval towns. The exploration therefore does not begin only at a particular building, but already with the townscape itself.
Frederick II of Hohenstaufen had a castle built in Rocca Imperiale between 1220 and 1225 to control the ancient Via Appia Traiana. This was the only transport route connecting Apulia with Calabria. The Torre Frangivento is the almond-shaped tower of the Castello Svevo di Rocca Imperiale. It dates from the 15th century and has three casemates.
The religious and museum sites also give Rocca Imperiale a distinct cultural profile. The Church of Santa Maria della Nova was elevated to a Diocesan Sanctuary on 5 March 2010. The Santuario Diocesano Santa Maria della Nova is located on the Colle delle Cesine, four kilometres from the built-up area of Rocca Imperiale. The Museo delle Cere is housed in the Monastero dei Frati Osservanti. Life-size wax figures there preserve the memory of historical figures and important events and developments that shaped Rocca Imperiale and the surrounding area, including Frederick II’s presence.
A special date is 2 July: Mass is celebrated in the mother church at 07:00. This is followed by a pilgrimage on foot with the icon of the Madonna to the Santuario Diocesano Santa Maria della Nova.
Hiking on the Cammino Basiliano
The Rocca Imperiale–Nocara stage of the Cammino Basiliano begins at Piazza Castello in Rocca Imperiale and is also the opening stage of the Cammino Basiliano. This gives visitors a specific starting point in the town for combining their stay with a stage of this route.
From Piazza Castello, the stage reaches the Murge di Santa Caterina archaeological area. This is considered a kind of outpost for defending the castle. The stage then continues into the Valle del Torrente Canna. The landscape there consists of small cultivated plots, olive groves, oak forests and open fields.
The Rocca Imperiale–Montegiordano stage offers views of the Parco del Pollino and the Golfo di Taranto. Thus, the Cammino Basiliano focuses both on cultural and historical sites and on varied landscapes.
Limone di Rocca Imperiale PGI
The protected geographical indication Limone di Rocca Imperiale PGI is part of the area’s local character. It is produced in an area that corresponds to the municipal territory of Rocca Imperiale. The Limone can be tasted fresh or unprocessed and is also used in fine patisserie and gourmet cuisine.
The Right Holiday Apartment for Planning Your Trip
When choosing a holiday apartment in Rocca Imperiale, you can weigh these priorities against one another: Should your stay focus on the narrow alleys and the Castello, on church and museum culture, on the stages of the Cammino Basiliano or on regional cuisine centred around the Limone? This decision helps you organise the daily rhythm of your trip around your own interests. The built-up area and the sanctuary are four kilometres apart, while the stages begin at Piazza Castello. This allows culture, hiking and regional specialities to be planned as different focuses of your stay.
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To the higher-level travel overview: Cosenza.
