Santa Maria del Cedro, Italian comune
Santa Maria del Cedro is a small commune in Cosenza Province in Calabria and sits along a coast with sandy beaches and cliffs characteristic of the Riviera dei Cedri. The town combines beaches with several historical sites, including the Archaeological Park of Laos, the ruins of San Michele, and the Abatemarco complex featuring remains of a medieval castle and church.
The site has ancient roots as the location of the Greek colony of Laos and later underwent changes through Norman and Spanish rule, with fortifications such as castles and watchtowers built for defense. The Abatemarco monastery was abandoned after a severe flood in the 17th century, while church buildings were later rebuilt to serve the local community's religious needs.
The name refers to the Cedar of Calabria, a citrus fruit that has been grown locally for centuries and remains important in local cooking and religious practices. Visitors can learn about this fruit's significance through the museum and see how it connects to the daily life and traditions of the community.
The town is accessible by road and offers about fifty accommodations ranging from small hotels to guesthouses for overnight stays. Free beaches allow swimming at no cost, while some areas have equipped sections with chairs, umbrellas, and facilities available year-round.
The Cedar fruit has long been used in ceremonial rituals during the Sukkot festival, when Jewish leaders from around the world travel here to harvest the fruit and build small huts symbolizing a biblical journey through the desert. This connection between local agriculture and international religious practice makes the site a meeting point of different cultures for visitors.
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