Trebisacce is a village in the province of Cosenza that overlooks the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea. The name of the town derives from the Greek Trapezakion, which means 'small boarder on a hill' and refers to its geographical conformation, which is indeed peculiar, with the historical centre perched on a hill and the beach below.
Trebisacce has been awarded the Blue Flag beach awards, given to it continuously for several years by the FEE, one of the 10 Communes 2023 Italian Chamber of Commerce in Nice and the Spighe Verdi award thanks to its agricultural peculiarities and careful land management.
These awards attest to the quality of the marine waters and the surrounding natural environment, but also to the inhabitants' commitment to preserving and enhancing their heritage.
The historical centre
The historical centre of Trebisacce has medieval origins and today presents itself as a collection of houses with an old-world charm: a representation of simple, low houses, ancient traction and maritime and peasant culture. The mother church, built in honour of St Nicholas of Myra, is one of the main attractions of the Cosenza old town.
Built in 1040 under Byzantine rule, the church is a wonderful blend of history, art and culture. It is characterised above all by its cusped tower bell tower and trullo-shaped dome. In addition to the bell tower and the dome, the Church of St Nichotlas of Myra has three naves inside, the wooden Christ, an old statue of St Anthony Abbot, some 19th century statues and the fresco of St Nicholas of Bari.
Amidst the narrow streets of the old town centre are the ruins of the ancient chapel of the Immaculate Conception and the chapel dedicated to St. Anthony Abbot, documented as early as the 18th century, although it already existed in earlier times, and which currently suffers from a late 19th-early 20th-century remodelling.
Inside the latter chapel is a papier-mâché statue of the titular saint, purchased in 1909. In honour of Saint Anthony Abbot, a characteristic feast day is held on 17 January, which, in addition to religious rites, includes the revival of ancient customs, the blessing of farmyard animals, popular games and the public enchantment of local agri-food products.
On a hill, surrounded by a centuries-old forest, rich in pine trees and extraordinary natural beauty, stands the chapel of St Joseph, inside which are preserved the statues of the saint of the same name and St Philomena. On the occasion of the feast day of 19 March, the chapel and the entire area become a meeting place for the people of Trebisacchia, but also for the inhabitants of neighbouring villages.
The Bastion of Trebisacce
The Bastion of Trebisacce is a wall, the construction of which dates back to the 16th century and was built as a defensive system to protect the town from Turkish attacks. Originally, the walls had four gates: the Annunziata, San Leonardo, San Martino and Sant'Antonio gates. The Annunziata Gate is the only one that has remained virtually intact over time, through which one reached the village after a fairly long flight of steps.
The village walls have played an essential role in the defence of the coast over time, as have Torre Piano dei Monaci and Torre Saracena.
The Bastion is now considered the Balcony of the Ionian Sea because it offers enchanting panoramic views. From here you can see the Gulf, the plains of Metaponto and Sibari and the Ionian Sea, natural beauties that can also be seen through the panoramic telescope placed, since 2017, on top of the Bastion. A sort of small tour to be taken from a wonderful vantage point, namely from the top of the Bastion.
The Trebisacce Promenade
The five or so kilometres of the Ionian coastline along the Trebisacce seafront are waiting to be discovered. The waterfront is one of the most beautiful places in Calabria. Thanks to its privileged position, it offers a spectacular view of the Ionian Sea.
But the real news is that Trebisacce's beaches have recently been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag recognition. This means that the area has been carefully monitored in terms of water, air quality, beach cleanliness and services offered to tourists.
The Blue Flag is an international award given every year to seaside resorts that respect high standards in terms of environmental sustainability, safety and quality of tourist services.
Trebisacce's seafront is the ideal place for those who want to spend a relaxing and natural holiday. You can stroll along the beach, sunbathe on the sunbeds available, take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea, or simply enjoy the breathtaking view of the mountains that cover the area.
