Nicastro

Nicastro (Neokastron, new castle) was a small town in the province of Catanzaro, in the Calabria region of southern Italy.

Since 1968 it constitutes, together with Sambiase and Sant'Eufemia Lamezia, the city of Lamezia Terme.

Geography
It is situated on the isthmus between the gulfs of Sant'Eufemia and of Squillace, the narrowest part of Calabria. At 216 meters above sea-level, it commands a fine view.

History
The cathedral, an ancient temple, with the episcopal palace, was outside the city; it was restored in the year 1100 after being pillaged by Saracens. The ruined castle at Nicastro served as the place of imprisonment of Frederick II's son Henry.

Innocent IX was the bishop of Nicastro from 1560 to 1572. The area suffered greatly in the earthquake of 1638, which  destroyed the cathedral and the Benedictine abbey of St. Euphemia, founded by Robert Guiscard. Valuable archives were lost in the ruins.

Economy
The commerce of the port of Nicastro consists of the exportation of acid, herbs, and wine.

Notes and references

 * Lameziastorica.it History of Lamezia Terme Nicastro
 * Article from the Catholic Encyclopedia

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