Rich with history, architecture and art, Calabria will never seize to surprise you with the many treasures you can uncover..
Cerchiara di Calabria
Cerchiara di calabria stands at the foot of Mount Sellaro (1,384 mt) whose present settlement dates back to the Late Byzantine period (sixth century), when it was known as Circlarium. Point of interest: the shrine of Santa Maria delle Armi (11th century), housed in a cave with an image of the Madonna engraved on stone. Not far from here is the deepest cave in Italy: the Bifurto Abyss. Also of interest are the Serra del Gufo Caves, the cave of the Nymphs, with thermal mineral water (natural hot spring), and the Balze di Cristo.
Papasidero
In the Byzantine town of Papasidero can be seen the ruins of the castle and the 14th-century sanctuary of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, which is also a pilgrimage site. Right outside the town is the Romito Cave, one of the oldest archaelogical sites in Europe. The cave preserves Lower Paleolithic engravings of three oxen, which are considered to be among the earliest art forms in the world.
Morano Calabro
Built on the remains of a Roman station on the Via Popilia, Morano is now one of the best preserved historical towns in Calabria. The town extends out from the ruins of the Norman Castle. In the center of town is the collegiate church of the Maddalena, one of the most interesting baroque churches in Calabria. It contains a beautiful sculpture carved in the 16th century by Pietro Bernini, father of the famous architect who designed the colonnade of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Scalea
Scalea was inhabited since prehistorical times, as proved by the material of the Paleolithic period that was excavated in a cavern near Torre Talao, which dominates over the rocky promontory called Scalea Island. It is claimed that the town of Laus, of pre-Indo-European origin and colonized by the Sybarites in the 6th-5th century BC, once stood on the plain South of Scalea, near the mouth of the river Lao. One of the most beautiful attractions is the natural arc that sits about a small beach with crystal clear waters.
Civita
Civita is still one of the main centres of Arbëresch culture, built by Albanians in the 15th century. The memories of its past are kept alive in its folk traditions and the historical and artistic heritage concentrated in the historical centre, characterised by unusual chimneys and a particular type of house known as a Kodra. Just a few kilometres from the town you can see the spectacular Raganello Gorge and the Ponte del Diavolo. The site is the perfect place for several activities as rafting, canyoning.
Cosenza
The city of the Bruttians stands at an altitude of 238 meters between the mountain ranges of Paola and Sila. The ancient city is on the left bank of the Crati river, separated from the modern part by the river Busento. The historical centre includes many sightseeings: from the public garden (the Villa Vecchia), the monument to Bernardino Telesio, the Rendano Theatre, Palazzo del Governo, the former convent of Santa Maria of Costantinopoli, the Civic Museum, the Accademia Cosentina, the Cathedral, which is one of the hidden gems in the heart of the city. The historical centre is a medieval borgo with several historical buildings where you can truly experience history. Cosenza is surrended by seven hills, on the top of one of those stands the Norman-Swabian Castle.
Rocca Imperiale
Rocca Imperiale, to the far north of the Ionian Cost, lies on a terraced hill, in a typical medieval arrangement. The castle, built by Frederick II of Swabia, is one of the most beautiful in Calabria.
Roseto Capo Spulico
Roseto was originally one of the satellite cities of Sybaris, at the time of Magna Grecia; it is the coastal areas of Southern Italy on the Tarentine Gulf that were extensively populated by Greek settlers. Roseto Capo Spulico was named after the roses that were cultivated there. The petals were used to fill the mattresses on which the sybaritic slept. The Rose Garden today was born in the tenth century AD and reached its peak in 1260 when the castle of Roseto was built.
Rossano
Founded by the Romans; Rossano was one of the most important Byzatine strongholds, due to its strategic location and defensive potential. A military and political centre, it became the seat of the Strategus, acquiring the role of capital of the Byzantine colony in Italy. In a forest near Rossano stands the remarkable proto-Norman building of Santa Maria del Patire, or the Patìrion, part of a monastery founded in the 12th century. A cultural and spiritual reference point of great importance, it is a symbol of the fusion of Byzantine, Arab and Norman civilisation, and was one of the most active scribal centres in the south. The diocesan Museum of Rossano preserves the valuable Codex Purpureus (6th century AD), an illustrated codex; only one of six still existent.
Sibari
Sybaris was once the largest city of Magna Graecia, which is reached through the hinterland, with an archaeological area and remains of great interest.
