Tortora, Italian comune
Tortora is a small commune in Calabria located along the Riviera dei Cedri, with its historic center perched on elevated ground and a beach area along the coast. The old town features narrow streets lined with stone buildings, churches, and palaces from different periods, while Tortora Marina offers a long sandy beach with clear blue water.
Tortora has traces of human settlement dating back to Palaeolithic times, and later the Roman city of Blanda Julia was founded in honor of Julius Caesar. In the 9th century, Saracen pirates attacked the settlement, causing inhabitants to move inland where they eventually established the present-day town.
The name Tortora comes from the Latin word 'turtur', meaning turtle dove. This bird was common in the area and appears on the town's coat of arms, reflecting its deep connection to the local landscape and wildlife.
The town stretches from the river mouth to the slopes of Monte Rossino and is easy to explore on foot. Visitors can move freely between the historic center with its museums and churches and Tortora Marina, where the beach and waterfront promenade are located.
The Frustilitáta is a large bonfire lit every March 19 during the feast of San Giuseppe, rooted in ancient purification rituals that welcome spring. This tradition gathers the community together and preserves customs passed down through generations.
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