The origins of Saracena are lost in the mists of the past, acquiring the flavor of legend.
It is believed to descend from the ancient city of Sestio, founded by the Enotrians, as reported by Strabo, Stephanus of Byzantium, and Father Fiore in his Calabria Illustrata, where he describes Saracena as follows: "A most ancient land, the same that once flourished under the name of Sestio, built by the Enotrians."

According to Father Fiore’s calculations, Sestio was founded around 2256 BC. In the year 900 AD, it was conquered by the Saracens, who established their stronghold there. However, shortly after, the imperial army of Constantinople attacked and destroyed the city. As a remembrance of this legend—also depicted in an ancient fresco on the frontispiece of the Chapel of St. Anthony and in the sacristy of St. Mary of Gamio—the municipal seal and banner of Saracena bear the image of a fleeing woman, wrapped in a sheet, surrounded by the inscription: "Universitas terrae Saracinae."

The new town, which later arose around the baronial castle, was fortified with walls and four gates (Porta del Vaglio, Porta S. Pietro, Porta Nuova, and Porta dello Scarano). With the arrival of the Normans, it became a feudal domain.

The fief of Saracena, valued at forty thousand ducats, belonged to the Dukes of San Marco and later to the Princes of Bisignano. At the end of the 17th century, it was purchased at a public auction for 45,000 ducats by Duke Laurenzana Gaetani, who, around 1613, transferred it to the Pescara di Diano family. After the death of Duke Pescara in 1515, the fief of Saracena passed under the rule of the Spinelli Princes of Scalea, who retained it until 1806. However, on August 14 of that same year, Napoleon Bonaparte issued the decree abolishing feudalism.

Its feudal lords inhabited the majestic castle until the 13th century. Built in the most strategic location of the town, the castle dominated the surrounding landscape with its imposing presence, offering a vast panoramic view: from the shores of Cerchiara to Capo dell’Alice, the Sila mountains, the Cosenza Valley, and all the surrounding villages. Originally, the castle was the residence of illustrious figures and contained luxurious halls adorned with precious decorations. Particularly striking was the so-called "ministalla", a large room designed for horses.

Over time, the castle was subjected to devastation; its walls and towers were destroyed, and its stones, bricks, and beams were sold for a meager price. A certain Leone Rotondaro purchased the entire building, restoring it and converting it into a residence. A manuscript found within the castle provides detailed information about its history. The document attests that the castle, of ancient construction, was equipped with towers and numerous underground exits and was called the "Castle of Sestio" because it defended the city.

In the 10th century AD, the city of Sestio, occupied by the Saracens, was captured and destroyed by the Byzantines, sent by the Eastern Emperor. The surviving inhabitants sought refuge at the foot of the castle and built houses around it, giving rise to a small village named "Saracina", in honor of the Saracen woman who had defended the city. This village was then fortified with walls and four gates, featuring towers similar to those of the castle, to protect it from enemy assaults.

At the end of the 11th century, Anton Sanseverino built an annex that corresponds to the present-day parish church of St. Leo.

Tourism Promotion Office

of the Municipality of Saracena
via Carlo Pisacane 87010 Saracena

Information Office:

Tel. 0981.349647
Cell: 3496465101
3495647299
3401290514

www.comune.saracena.cs.it
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