Crotone, a vital hub of Magna Graecia, brims with captivating history. This Calabrian city, beloved by Pythagoras, safeguards an ancient artistry upheld by esteemed goldsmith masters. These artisans skillfully weave tales of their culture through exquisite gold and silver artifacts, emblematic of Italy’s revered goldsmith tradition.
The goldsmithing art of Crotone is nearly as ancient as the city itself, established by Greek colonists in 710 BC. Its origins trace back to the rich heritage of Magna Graecia, evident in the intricate filigree and gold craftsmanship that continue to echo the styles of antiquity. This tradition exudes an aura of immortality and is lovingly preserved in the bustling workshops of Crotone.
In addition to drawing inspiration from Magna Graecia, the goldsmithing art of Crotone incorporates various stylistic elements that have shaped the artistic landscape of both Crotone and Calabria at large. They deftly blend oriental, Arab, Byzantine, and Baroque influences, adorning their goldwork with corals, pearls, and precious stones, elevating their creations to new heights of splendor.
The Goldsmithing Art of Crotone
Highly esteemed far beyond Italy’s borders, today the goldsmithing art of Crotone spans diverse realms: from high fashion to entertainment, from public honors to the realm of ecclesiastical jewelry. Crotone artisans diligently uphold ancient traditions, preserving the essence of the territory’s origins alongside influences from Byzantine, Arab, and Baroque cultures, all evident in their timeless craftsmanship.
Internationally renowned, the master goldsmiths of Crotone skillfully blend gold and silver with an array of precious materials, such as pearls, carnelian, coral, and precious stones, breathing life into exquisite jewelry pieces and sacred art. Their patient and refined work has garnered global acclaim, propelling the Crotone goldsmithing school to prominence. Within their elegant workshops, these artisans craft jewels that serve as symbols of Italy’s finest goldsmith tradition, synonymous with the best Made in Italy.
The Goldsmith’s Artisans
Among the luminaries in the realm of the goldsmithing art of Crotone, Gerardo Sacco shines brightly. Since 1963, he has overseen an artisan company crafting jewels imbued with profound cultural, material, and artistic significance. His creations have graced the necks of iconic women across generations, from Liz Taylor to Isabella Rossellini, Monica Bellucci to Elena Sofia Ricci, Virna Lisi to Maria Grazia Cucinotta. Drawing inspiration from Magna Graecia culture, Sacco’s style remains ever-evolving, blending tradition with innovation and meticulous design.
Another esteemed figure in the world of the goldsmith’s art of Crotone is Master Michele Affidato, renowned for his expertise in sacred art. For over 35 years, he has meticulously crafted unique jewels entirely by hand, embracing the Greek-Byzantine style while also creating modern pieces and sacred images for churches and religious authorities. Affidato’s work has been honored by encounters with Pope John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis.
Lastly, the Spadafora family’s legacy resonates deeply in the global goldsmithing community. Their name is synonymous with the widespread appreciation of Italian goldsmith artistry, exemplified by the establishment of a boutique in The Hague, Netherlands. Practicing their craft since the late 1700s, this tradition has been lovingly passed down from father to son, fueled by their passion for their homeland and the timeless profession they uphold. Revered for their sacred creations, earning them the moniker “Goldsmiths of the Madonnas”, the Spadafora family’s work has adorned the likes of Sofia Loren, Robert De Niro, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, Barack Obama, and First Lady Michelle alike.
A Past to Be Discovered
The city of Crotone boasts a wealth of history and culture, accompanied by a delectable culinary scene that delights its visitors. Its expansive heritage encompasses treasures from Magna Graecia, Aragonese fortifications, and a medieval historic center adorned with ancient places of worship and stately residences of significant historical value.
For a captivating journey into the ancient splendor of Kroton, as the city was originally named, the National Archaeological Museum of Crotone serves as the perfect starting point. Within its walls, visitors are transported through time, rediscovering the profound significance of this cultural hub through a stunning array of archaeological finds of immeasurable historical and artistic worth, from exquisite ceramics to dazzling gold and silver artifacts.
The Greek colonies of the Western world, including Crotone, gained renown for their production of bronze artifacts, most notably the famed Riace Bronzes. Additionally, they crafted objects from precious metals like gold and silver, often offered as votive gifts to the gods. Recent decades of archaeological excavations have unearthed treasures dating back to the 6th and 4th centuries BC, showcasing masterpieces such as the Winged Sphinx, the Gorgon, the Mermaid, the Nuragic Barchetta, and the Golden Diadem. The latter, a crown fashioned from gold foil with exquisite craftsmanship, boasts intricate details like myrtle twigs with leaves and berries delicately woven from gold threads.
These votive offerings were brought by pilgrims to the legendary sanctuary of the mighty Hera Lacinia, protector of herds, well-being, and fertility. Located 12 kilometers from the city of Crotone, this sanctuary held immense reverence throughout the Mediterranean basin, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually who presented their most cherished gifts to the goddess, seeking blessings of prosperity and fertility for their families.