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New Promise in Ancient Cirò
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It is not difficult to see why the Greeks would have settled along the Ionio Sea of Calabria, in particular the section north of Crotone known as the Cirò. The story goes that while the Greek men set out to explore the land, their wives, apparently already sold on the place, set fire to their ships so they would be forced to stay. More probably, though, it was Bacchus himself who chose the location, knowing that the fertile hills would be perfect for his "water of life". In fact, "Cirò" is one of the oldest known wines on the planet. It may be the closest we have to the wine of the ancient Greeks, the first civilization to really take winemaking seriously. The zone is also ideal for the growth of olive trees and the making of olive oil (another Greek devotion), as well as the raising of sheep and livestock (and the production of cheese/meat products). During Greek times the Cirò region proudly maintained its independence, repelling offensives by its great neighbor to the south, the city of Crotone.
Along with the rest of Calabria, the initial Greek settlement was followed by millennia of foreign domination. Unfortunately in recent centuries rulers tended rather to take advantage of the land and its inhabitants. Until after the Second World War Cirò residents were still caught in feudal-like conditions (never mind the fact that feudalism was abolished by the Bourbon rulers in the early 19th century - exploitation often finds a way to carry on, even if under a different name). In the past decade, however, with the rise of responsible tourism and the key aid of the European Union, the region has begun to take its first steps toward prosperity. The land's immense natural, cultural, historical, artistic and enogastronomic worth is advancing with the help of GAL (Local Action Group), the "Consorzio Sviluppo Alto Crotonese". The organization aids local craftsmen, farmers, agriturismi, tour operators and entrepreneurs - not just with financial but also creative support. Importantly GAL is also involved with the development of youth and professional development educational programs.
Several of the region's most important sites are described below, alongside an introduction to some of the most prized local products. Finally there is a discussion of the GAL organization and a few of the more promising agriturismi/tourism organizations already making an impact in the area.
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