L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 16 L'Italo-Americano S anta Severina is a historic village in t h e p r o v i n c e o f Crotone, Calabria, about 30 kilome- ters inland from the city of Crotone itself. Built on a hill overlooking the Neto River Valley, Santa Severina is famous for its breathtaking v i e w s o f t h e s u r r o u n d i n g landscape and for its pro- found sense of history and a r c h i t e c t u r a l r i c h n e s s . Known as the "Stone Ship" due to its cliffside shape, the v i l l a g e d a t e s b a c k o v e r a thousand years and is one of C a l a b r i a 's b e s t - p r e s e r v e d medieval towns. Santa Seve- rina gained prominence dur- i n g t h e B y z a n t i n e p e r i o d , when Greek Orthodox influ- ence shaped the local culture and architectural style. Over the centuries, the Normans, Aragonese, and Bourbons left their mark, creating a blend of cultural influences that is still visible today. Notably, Santa Severina was transfor- med into a fortified stron- ghold in the Middle Ages. Art and architecture in Santa Severina F r o m a n a r c h i t e c t u r a l point of view, the Castello d i S a n t a S e v e r i n a , a n impressive Norman castle built in the 11th century, is perhaps the village's most notable location. Over time, it was expanded and fortified by subsequent rulers, and t o d a y i t h o s t s a m u s e u m where visitors can explore artifacts from the Byzantine and Norman periods, as well as exhibitions on the castle's history. Still today the castle, with its massive stone walls and defensive towers, domi- nates the village's skyline. Santa Severina Cathe- d r a l , o r C a t t e d r a l e d i Sant'Anastasia, is another s i g n i f i c a n t l a n d m a r k i n town. Originally built in the 9th century and later remod- eled, the cathedral has both Byzantine and Baroque ele- ments: inside, visitors can a d m i r e d e l i c a t e l y c a r v e d marble altars, beautiful fres- coes, and especially the bap- tistery, characterized by an o c t a g o n a l s h a p e a n d a n ancient mosaic floor. Intere- stingly, it is one of the few remaining in Calabria dating back from Byzantine times. What to do in town Villagers celebrate numer- ous festivals throughout the year, the most famous being the Festa di San Giovan- ni Battista in June. This celebration includes proces- sions, traditional music, and C a l a b r i a n f o l k d a n c i n g . Another important event is the Sagra della Salsiccia e del Vino (Sausage and Wine Festival), where visi- t o r s c a n s a m p l e r e g i o n a l dishes, listen to live music, and witness traditional culi- nary methods first hand. If you are into local crafts you a r e l u c k y , b e c a u s e S a n t a S e v e r i n a ' s a r t i s a n s a r e famous for weaving, pottery and wood carvings, often modeled on ancient designs and patterns typical of this part of Calabria. Gastronomy The cuisine of Santa Seve- rina is a reflection of the rich flavors of Calabria, in a blend of rustic ingredients with bold spices. Local specialties i n c l u d e ' n d u j a , a s p i c y , spreadable pork sausage, and caciocavallo cheese, often aged in caves to devel- op a strong, earthy flavor. Pork and cured meats are staples, usually served along- side pasta e patate (pasta with potatoes) or pasta e fagioli (pasta with beans). Local olive oil and chili pep- pers are also famous, just like l o c a l b r e a d , t h e p a n e d i Santa Severina, a crusty l o a f b a k e d i n w o o d - f i r e d ovens, which is often enjoyed with fresh cheese and olive oil. For dessert, you can try turdilli, fried dough pieces drizzled with honey and fla- vored with wine, a traditional Calabrian treat often pre- pared during the holidays. W h a t t o d o a r o u n d Santa Severina T h e a r e a a r o u n d S a n t a Severina is filled with natural beauty and historical land- marks. The village itself is part of the Sila National Park, a protected area char- acterized by dense forests, lakes, and mountain land- scapes, popular for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring n a t i v e f l o r a a n d f a u n a . Another nearby attraction is t h e V a l l i C u p e N a t u r e Reserve, home to some of C a l a b r i a ' s m o s t d r a m a t i c scenery like canyons, water- falls, and gorges. It's a per- fect destination for nature lovers looking to immerse t h e m s e l v e s i n C a l a b r i a ' s rugged landscapes and pris- t i n e e n v i r o n m e n t . I n t h e neighboring town of Croto- n e , v i s i t o r s c a n e x p l o r e ancient Greek ruins, includ- i n g t h e T e m p l e o f H e r a Lacinia, a 5th-century BC temple that was part of the ancient city of Kroton. T he Festival del Torrone in Cre- m o n a i s a n annual celebra- tion of the city's iconic nougat, torrone, that t a k e s p l a c e e a c h N o v e m - b e r . T h i s d e l i g h t f u l e v e n t , typically held over nine days, o f f e r s t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o explore the history, flavors, a n d c u l t u r a l t r a d i t i o n s o f Cremona, a city known for its culinary and musical her- itage. The origin of torrone is nothing short of legendary. It's widely believed that this sweet, crunchy nougat was first created in 1441 to cele- brate the wedding of Bianca M a r i a V i s c o n t i a n d F r a n c e s c o S f o r z a , t w o noble figures whose marriage u n i f i e d p o w e r f u l I t a l i a n dynasties. For their wedding banquet, the chefs of Cre- mona came up with a unique dessert, combining honey, a l m o n d s , a n d e g g w h i t e s , m o l d e d i n t o a s h a p e t h a t resembled the Torrazzo, C r e m o n a ' s f a m o u s b e l l t o w e r . T h e t r e a t b e c a m e known as torrone, and the n a m e h a s r e m a i n e d e v e r since. At the Festival del Tor- r o n e , a t t e n d e e s e n j o y a n immersive experience cele- brating this historic sweet: a r t i s a n p r o d u c e r s f r o m across Italy gather to display their best nougat creations, f r o m t h e c l a s s i c a l m o n d - filled torrone to innovative v e r s i o n s w i t h c h o c o l a t e , d r i e d f r u i t s , a n d e v e n liqueurs. Tastings and stalls l i n e t h e s t r e e t s , a n d o f f e r endless samples and flavors for visitors to try. Beyond food, the festival i n c l u d e s a w i d e a r r a y o f e v e n t s a n d p e r f o r m a n c e s . One of the highlights is the historical reenactment of the Visconti-Sforza wed- d i n g , w h e r e p a r t i c i p a n t s dress in elaborate Renais- sance costumes, recreating the grandeur of 15th-century Italian nobility. Additionally, the festival includes workshops for chil- dren and adults to see how torrone is made, music per- formances, and activities cel- e b r a t i n g C r e m o n a ' s renowned violin-making her- itage, honoring both the culi- nary and artistic traditions of the city. The festival culmi- nates in a grand procession, c o m p l e t e w i t h d i s p l a y s o f giant torrone sculptures and structures. This year's festival runs from November 9 to 17 and adds some exciting new fea- tures to its classic lineup. A l o n g s i d e t h e a n t i c i p a t e d large-scale nougat sculptures and the historical reenact- ment of Bianca Maria Vis- conti and Francesco Sforza's wedding, this year's high- lights include an award cere- mony for the Torrone d'Oro, and a life-sized, playable piano made of nougat and chocolate. Delicious chunks of traditional torrone (Photo: Paul Pellegrino/Dreamstime) Cremona's Festival del Torrone, a sweet celebration for all ages Santa Severina, from Byzantium to modernity LIFE PEOPLE PLACES TRADITIONS The main square in Santa Severina (Photo: Golasza/Dreamstime)

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