Discover Bonifati: Fortress, Towers and Church Art

Bonifati brings together traces of Norman fortifications with churches and works of art spanning several centuries. For a cultural and historical stay, different perspectives sit side by side: the ruins of “Il Forte”, individual towers and sacred interiors. A walk through the historic centre conveys a sense of timeless surroundings. The themes range from defensive architecture to paintings and sculptures from different periods.

Fortress, Ruins and Towers

Castello di Bonifati, also known as “Il Forte”, was fortified by the Normans to defend the area. Its original structure comprised five towers and a central building. A route to “Il Forte” leads to a complex of ruins from a Norman castle dating to around the 13th century. The original layout of the complex and the approximate dating of the ruins thus present different aspects of the fortress side by side.

Torre di Fella offers a more precise date for comparison: it dates from the Norman period of Roger II, from 1112 to 1154, and was reinforced in the 16th century. The tower is free to visit and freely accessible, but difficult to access for people with mobility impairments. Take this limitation into account when planning your visit.

Torre di Parise dates from the 16th century, has a square shape and is located in the station area, a few metres from the beach. Its shape and location distinguish it, in the respects mentioned, from Torre di Fella, which dates to the Norman period. The two towers therefore offer different clues for interpreting the buildings.

Churches and Sacred Art

Santuario Madonna Santissima del Rosario was once part of a Dominican monastery complex. Inside is an 18th-century statue of Madonna del Rosario. Its former connection to the monastery complex and the dated statue offer different historical perspectives on the sanctuary.

Chiesa del Calvario was built in the 17th century. Its interior furnishings include the painting “Jesus Carries the Cross Between Saints Peter and Paul”, painted by Dirk Hendricksz in 1601. The date refers to the church, while the year refers to the painting, making it easy to distinguish the building date from the date of the artwork.

Chiesa della SS. Annunziata also dates from the 17th century, is designed in the Baroque style and is divided into three sections. Inside are a 16th-century sculptural group of the Annunciation by an unknown artist, as well as an 18th-century wooden choir. The layout and Baroque style describe the church interior; the two artworks complement it with different points of reference in time.

A Culinary Visit

The restaurant at Villa Cirimarco also welcomes non-residents, but reservations are required. Check the reservation arrangements before you arrive, as they may change.

The “Profumi di Cedro” visit at Villa Cirimarco includes a tasting of bread and oil, house salad, cheese with farm-made preserves and a glass of wine. Reservation arrangements for this visit may also change, so check the conditions for your planned date before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Cariati, San Benedetto Ullano, Amendolara, Rossano, Cetraro, Cirella, Spezzano Albanese, Vaccarizzo.

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