Motta San Giovanni is a municipality located in the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, in Calabria. The municipal territory includes several hamlets, among which Lazzaro.
Historical Background
The name "Motta" refers to a fortified settlement built on the top of an inaccessible and panoramic cliff. The town developed around 1500, probably after the destruction of the fortress of Santo Niceto. In 1507, it became an autonomous fief under the Aragona family of Montalto, and later passed through various noble families. In the seventeenth century, the village was still an enclave of Greek priests. In 1682, the Ruffo family of Bagnara obtained the title of princes from Philip IV and transferred it to the village. In 1806, with the abolition of feudalism, the municipality became autonomous.
Cultural and Natural Heritage
The territory offers sandy beaches and clear waters, ideal for seaside tourism. The area is also a starting point for excursions into the Aspromonte mountains and along the “Englishman’s Path”, a trail that retraces the journey of traveler Edward Lear.
Castle of Santo Niceto
The Castle of Santo Niceto, also known as the Castle of Sant'Aniceto, is a Byzantine fortress built in the first half of the 11th century on the summit of a rocky hill, near the town of Motta San Giovanni. It is one of the few examples of early medieval Calabrian architecture and among the few Byzantine fortifications to undergo restoration.
History
Built during the Eastern Roman Empire, the fortress was used to protect goods and the population of Reggio during invasions. Even after 1060, when the city fell to the Normans, the castle retained its function as a lookout and refuge for the people of Reggio. In the 13th century, it became the command center of the Santo Niceto fief. In 1434, Santo Niceto became a barony and ruled over Motta San Giovanni, Montebello, and Paterriti. In the 15th century, it came into conflict with the city of Reggio and was destroyed in 1459 by Duke Alfonso of Calabria.
Architecture
The castle has an irregular plan that resembles the shape of a ship, with the bow facing the mountain and the stern towards the sea. Near the entrance, two square towers are visible. At the foot of the slope connecting it to the plain below is a small church with a dome frescoed with a painting of Christ Pantocrator, a typical subject of Byzantine art. The walls vary in height from 3 to 3.5 meters, are about one meter thick, and are still in excellent condition. The construction mate