Originally an important colony of Magna Grecia, Cirella, a hamlet of the municipality of Diamante (province of Cosenza), became a medieval borgo named Cirellae. Situated on a small promontory overlooking the sea, the borgo, typical of Byzantine-Norman centres in the Alto Tirreno Calabrese, was later sacked and seismic events led to its abandonment.
The ruined buildings that remain include structures such as the castle built by Prince Carafa in the 18th century; the 16th century Convent of San Francesco di Paola, used today for performances and concerts, and the Church of San Nicola Magno, which retains traces of frescoes.
The Islet of Cirella, covered with thick Mediterranean undergrowth, faces the beach. A ruined defensive tower stands on its highest part while the sea around the islet is scattered with multiple archaeological artefacts and a dense meadow of posidonia.
Fondazione Calabria Film Commission
Cittadella Regione Calabria — Località Germaneto — 88100 Catanzaro
Phone: +39 0961 853836
Email: info@calabriafilmcommission.it
