Cerenzia is a small town in the province of Crotone, nestled in a border area between the Sila mountains and the hills that slope down to the Lese Valley. It is a town that surprises with its dual identity: on one side, the modern, compact, and bright village; on the other, the fascinating and mysterious Cerenzia Vecchia, a place that preserves the memory of a distant past, made of stone, silence, and ancient ruins.

The history of Cerenzia is closely tied to the ancient medieval settlement we know today as Cerenzia Vecchia. This village arose and developed around the castle and the church of Santa Maria, becoming the center of social and economic life in the area for centuries. Abandoned between the 18th and 19th centuries, the ancient village is now an open-air archaeological site, where the ruins tell stories of noble families, struggles for power, and a life lived in close connection with the mountains.

The present-day Cerenzia, built further down the valley, preserves the legacy of that past but with a more modern and welcoming feel. Here, as in many towns of Calabria’s hinterland, one can sense the traces of the ancient cultures that traversed the region, from medieval dominations to the religious influences that shaped the community.

Nature and Landscape

The landscape around Cerenzia is a succession of hills, valleys, and woods that lead the gaze toward the Sila mountains. The air is clear, the sky wide, and the colors of nature continually change with the seasons: from the intense green of spring to the warm hues of summer, and to the play of light in autumn that envelops the territory in an almost suspended atmosphere.

Near the town, small streams, such as the Lese, flow, carving out a soft yet characteristic geography in the landscape. It is a perfect place for those who enjoy walking in silence, observing the scenery, or seeking panoramas that tell the story of a still-untouched Calabrian interior.

The modern center of Cerenzia is simple and orderly, built with a forward-looking vision while preserving ties to local traditions. The main church, civic buildings, and the squares that open between the houses represent the focal points of community life.

But the cultural heart of the area remains Cerenzia Vecchia. Strolling among its ruins is like taking a journey back in time: the walls emerging from the vegetation, the remains of the church, and streets now engulfed by nature offer a silent and fascinating story of the past. It is a place that evokes emotion, curiosity, and depth, and is considered one of the most evocative historical sites of the Crotone hinterland.

Gastronomy and Traditions

Cerenzia’s cuisine reflects the authentic traditions of Calabrian mountain villages. The flavors are those of the land: homemade bread, seasonal vegetables, handmade pasta, meats and cheeses from local farms, quality olive oil, and desserts prepared according to religious celebrations. Patron saint festivals and popular events remain cherished and well-attended moments, when the village comes alive with music, gatherings, and traditional dishes shared among neighbors and visitors.