TERRITORY
The territory of Cirò Marina, a pearl of the Ionian Sea, is historically rooted in the priceless vines and its precious land. Vines historically grown using the alberello system and authentic wines: the history of Cirò Marina is one of land and passion that continues to this day. This place, known and loved all over the world, was called “Enotria” by the Greek colonists precisely owing to the favourable conditions for the vine, which is still the most widely cultivated plant. Enotria itself could not fail to be counted among the extensive localities of Magna Graecia, which in turn included all the colonies founded between the 8th and 6th centuries BC in southern Italy. But the history of Cirò Marina is more than that: it is not only Enotria, because the original name of the town we know today is ‘Krimisa’. Legend says that it was founded by the famous Philoctetes, a Greek warrior to whom Heracles gave weapons of war that Ulysses coveted, given the beneficial powers they contained. After the foundation of today’s Cirò Marina, Philoctetes decided to consecrate these same weapons to the god Apollo, son of Zeus, and to build a temple dedicated to him. The well-known temple of Apollo Aleo was established near Punta Alice.
Magna Grecia
Later, Cirò Marina’s territory was affected by the landings of Greek colonists, who brought with them new vines and planted them. From Krimisa came the authentic wine in Cirò Marina’s lands which is produced and obtained from the Gaglioppo vine. Its properties were so appreciated that it was chosen as the official wine of the Olympics. Since the eighth century B.C., the cultivation of vines and the consequent care of the vineyards have been distinctive features of today’s Cirò Marina. Its roots are so deep-rooted in its land that the landmark of the god Bacchus, god of wine and mysteries, is in the Municipality’s coat of arms. It is no coincidence that his head is decorated with bunches of grapes.
Medieval
Cirò Marina found a new order and saw a gradual decrease in raids into its territory during the period of Roman rule. This arrangement did not last long, because the Byzantines and Normans took turns in the Calabrian towns. During the Middle Ages, Cirò Marina became part of the feudal system, further consolidating wine production and trade.
From decade to decade, from era to era: how time was successively ‘counted’ by the brilliant Italian astronomer, physician and mathematician Luigi Lilio. The reform of the Gregorian calender is due to Lilio: he was another outstanding figure in Calabria, considering his birth in the 16th century in contemporary Cirò.
On 21 March each year, the Calabria Region celebrates Calendar Day, in honour of Lilio.
Today's excellence
Cirò Marina, which today boasts more than 20 FEE Blue Flags, has always been a land of treasures and talents. “Mari Felix Meroque” can be read on its coat of arms, because it is in the sea and in the vineyards that its true wealth lies.
