the story of Santa Caterina dello Ionio

How the household folklore of Santa Caterina was born…
I continue by translating the writings of Salvatore Tropiano in relation to events occurring in the ninth century A.D. in the village of Santa Caterina dello ionio, which had become of paramount importance.
This concerns the skirmish by the locals, headed by Santa Caterina, against the Muslim invaders. It would appear, that it took place upon the hill where today stands La Chiesa di Santa Caterina.
As the traditional story goes:
“With sword in hand, faced by the admiration of all present, desperately in defence of our land and our families, Santa Caterina alone, repelled the Arab horde, liberating the village of its invaders – penetrating enemy lines as they were fleeing as far as the district of ‘Capano’… until they were all dispersed.”
Which, it would seem by all accounts, is the reason why today on the spot stands the chapel of this church in honour of la Santa. As the centuries rolled on the church was added to and transformed further. This short video gives a visual of the narrative...