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Cerchiara di Calabria

Cerchiara di Calabria
Comune
Comune di Cerchiara di Calabria
San Pietro church with observatory.JPG
Coat of arms of Cerchiara di Calabria
Coat of arms
Cerchiara di Calabria is located in Italy
Cerchiara di Calabria
Cerchiara di Calabria
Location of Cerchiara di Calabria in Italy
Coordinates: 39°51′N 16°23′E / 39.850°N 16.383°E / 39.850; 16.383
Country Italy
Region Calabria
Province / Metropolitan city Cosenza (CS)
Government
 • Mayor Antonio Carlomagno
Area
 • Total 81 km2 (31 sq mi)
Population (30 June 2012)
 • Total 2,447
 • Density 30/km2 (78/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Cerchiaresi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 87070
Dialing code 0981
Patron saint St. Boniface
Website Official website

Cerchiara di Calabria is a town and comune in the province of Cosenza, part of the Calabria region of southern Italy.

Located in the Pollino National Park, Cercharia occupies the ancient site of Arponium in Magna Graecia, later known as Circlarium. During the Norman period it was part of the lands of the Clermont (Chiaramonte) family, when most of the Byzantine institutions were reformed in the Latin rite.

The town's main attraction is the Sanctuary of S. Maria delle Armi. The cells of hermit monks of Greek origin on Monte Sellario were already established by the 10th century. In the mid-15th century a cult developed in connection with ancient Byzantine icons. The small chapel shrine excavated in the rock was enlarged in the early 16th century under the patronage of Pietro Antonio Sanseverino. In following eras a hospice for pilgrims was added and the palace of the Pignatelli di Cerchiara family. The resulting church is made asymmetrical by its position against the cliff face.




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