An earthquake in 1783 completely destroyed the town . In the plain surrounding Rosarno , the tremors caused huge landslides which blocked the course of rivers ; the resulting marshes led to a malaria epidemic that killed more people than the earthquake itself . The town was quickly rebuilt and became a borough in 1816 . The town plan is typified by large squares and straight , wide streets that cross each other perpendicularly . The remains of the old feudal castle are preserved , along with a 16th-century coastal tower , the clock tower , the beautiful church of St. John the Baptist , the small church of the Crucifix , and various noblemen 's homes , many of which have magnificent marble doorways from the last century
earthquake in 1783
1783 Calabrian earthquakes
Rosarno