Calabria Italy how to get there. Calabria

The region of Calabria is located in the south of the Apennines, its main part is occupied by the peninsula of the same name. Calabria makes up 5% of the total territory, which is 15.1 thousand square kilometers. The region's population is 1.997 million people, which is 3.6% of the country's population, with a density of 135 people per km². Calabria is divided into five provinces, with the administrative center being the city of Catanzaro, with a population of 94,000 inhabitants. Other important settlements: Crotone, Reggio di Calabria, Lamezia Terme.

Geography

Calabria is located in the very south of Italy and is located at the “toe of the boot”. The region borders on the north with, and from the island and the region of the same name, it is separated by the Strait of Messina. In the west the region is washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea, and in the east and south by the Ionian Sea.

This region consists almost entirely of hills and mountains. The highest point in the region is Mount Pollino, its height is 2267 meters above sea level. It is located on the Serra Dolcedorme massif. The plains occupy only 8% of the total area of ​​the region. On the Tyrrhenian Sea side, the Calabrian coast is rocky, while the Ionian Sea coast is flat and sandy. The main rivers of Calabria are Corace, Neto, Crati.

Calabria

Climate

The climate of the coastal zone is very hot, and in the mountainous part of Calabria it is quite harsh. The average temperature of Reggio Calabria in January is +8 °C, and in July +23.8 °C.

Transport

Tourism and

Of great interest to tourists is the city of Crotone (Croton), which has a very ancient and very interesting history. It was founded in 708 BC. by the Greeks who landed in the place that the Delphic oracle indicated to them - on the shores of the Ionian Sea. There is a very original version of the origin of the city's name. Translated from Greek, “croton” is “castor bean” - a plant whose seeds were used to produce castor oil. Therefore, it is believed that in those distant times there were many places with castor bean thickets. However, this plant is still found here today.

Duomo di Reggio Calabria, photo: flickr.com

Sybaris is a city located near Croton, and is its trading competitor. Thanks to his rather advantageous geographical position, he conducted extensive trade and became rich very quickly. The word “sybarite” comes from the name of one ancient Greek colony, Sybaris, meaning a person spoiled by luxury, idle, pampered. According to legend, this is exactly what the inhabitants of the city of Sybaris were like. The loss of fighting qualities and pampering cost the residents of the city dearly. Sybaris was destroyed during the war with Croton, and its inhabitants were then enslaved.

Croton was famous in the ancient world thanks to the victories of athletes at the Olympic Games. One of the most legendary wrestlers is Milo from Crotona, he won the Olympic Games six times and other major sports competitions 25 times. Legends were made about Milo's extraordinary strength; he was compared to Hercules himself. But Croton was famous not only for its sporting successes. The greatest ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras also lived and worked in Crotona. He founded his famous religious and philosophical school here.

Now Crotone is a small modern city with a very well developed industrial infrastructure. The only harbor on the entire Ionian coast of Italy was built here, intended for mooring sea vessels. This harbor and the recently opened airport have significantly increased the flow of tourists to these places.

The sights of this city are the Cathedral (Duomo), which is dedicated to St. Maria Assunta, the Church of Santa Chiara and San Giuseppe, Palazzo Barracco and Palazzo Morelli Vecchia.

Among the attractions of the city of Catanzaro, the capital of Calabria, it is worth noting the Maschiari Theater, the central Cathedral (Duomo), as well as the churches of Monte dei Morti, San Francesco and San Rocco.

The most important attractions of the city of Cosenza are the Church of San Francesco di Paola, Palazzo Serzali, Palazzo Sera and the Norman Castle, located on top of the hill of San Pancrazio. Among the architectural monuments of the Middle Ages that have been preserved in Calabria, it is also worth noting the church in the city of Stilo, which was built in the Byzantine style.

The coasts of the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas are very different from each other. The western (Tyrrhenian) coast, described by Homer in the adventures of Odysseus, is more picturesque than its eastern neighbor, oriented towards the Ionian Sea. The east coast beaches are calm and long, only occasionally interrupted by gentle mountains. On the side of Calabria that faces Sicily, the coastline is much more diverse: in the north of the region, near the towns of Praia a Mare and Scalea, there are wide beaches covered with fine light sand. Further, towards Belvedere Marittimo and Paola, the sandy areas narrow slightly. But the most beautiful natural solariums are located between the cities of Pizzo and Nicotera. Capo Vaticané, which overlooks Sicily in good weather, is surrounded by natural rocky coves that frame small exotic strips of sand. The cozy beaches here are considered one of the best in Italy, so tourists from all over Europe happily come to Calabria to relax.

The city of Catanzaro is both the capital of the province and of the whole of Calabria, it is located in the narrowest part of Italy. Scientists believe that sea waves once splashed here, but gradually the water receded, leaving behind an area rugged with ravines. Even the name Catanzaro itself translates as “grown on the edge of the gorge.” Modern civil engineers brilliantly used the complex geodetic substructure inherited by the city, connecting individual areas with light viaducts, of which the Morandi suspension overpass is considered one of the longest single-span bridges in Europe.
The capital of Calabria can be called a young city; its chronology began only at the end of the 9th century. AD, which is not typical for Italy. There are almost no ancient architectural monuments preserved in the city, because... in 1783 it was practically destroyed by a strong earthquake. Even the main cathedral of Catanzaro was rebuilt only in 1960, on the site of its predecessor, which was destroyed during the Second World War. The capital of Calabria gives the impression of a completely modern city; among the recent buildings, the historical buildings of churches and palaces look a little lonely, but medieval residential areas have also been preserved - those that have withstood numerous earthquakes.

The city of Cosenza is located 35 km from the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. In the 4th century. BC this settlement was already mentioned in chronicles as the capital of the ancient state of the mysterious Bruts; then for many centuries Cosenza was the main political, economic and cultural center of all of Calabria. Now that the official capital functions are assigned to Catanzaro, the city continues to be the heart of the region. Here is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the south of Italy, lovers of bargain shopping in Cosenza will have the opportunity to visit the largest supermarket in the region - "Metropolis", and history buffs will not be left indifferent by the surviving old town bordering the hill of Colle di San Pancrazio. Cosenza is often called the “Athens of Calabria” in memory of the fact that in the 16th century. The famous Philosophical Academy was founded here.

The main decoration of the city remains the majestic cathedral (Duomo), built in the Romanesque style (12th century). A walk through old Cosenza will bring pleasure to any traveler; its winding old streets, unspoiled by the efforts of restorers, preserve the living spirit of history. Corso Telesio is the main artery of ancient Cosenza, lined with old palaces with overhanging balconies, beautiful facades and loggias. While traveling around the city, be sure to go up to the Norman Castle, from where you can enjoy a charming panorama of old Cosenza. At your feet lies a vast ocean of tiled roofs, surrounded by mountains and hills covered with green forests.

Paola Maritime is known to all Catholics of the world precisely because of the santuary, built on the site where the cave brotherhood founded by Saint Francesco di Paola was located. Around the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi there is a santuary. On the site of the very first church, a chapel was built with the relics of the Saint - his shirt, rosary and his sister’s milk tooth.
The name of the city, Diamante, means “diamond” in Italian, and it is truly a worthy diamond in the necklace of Calabrian cities. Until in the 13th century. The small fishing village was recognized as a city; its inhabitants fished and grew citrus fruits and hot red peppers. Since 1981, artists from all over the world began to come to Diamante to paint pictures directly on the walls of houses. Tourists on holiday in Calabria enjoy coming to this open-air art gallery.
In the vicinity of the town of Guardia Piemonte, founded by refugees from northern Piedmont, is the thermal resort of Terme Luigiane, the most famous health center in Calabria. Its springs and mud are rich in minerals such as sodium chloride, sodium iodide, bromide, sulfur, etc. The healing properties of the local waters were known back in the days of Magna Graecia.

The city of Crotone has a very ancient history, which began in 708 BC, when the Achaean colonialists landed here. Even during the times of Magna Graecia, Crotone was famous throughout the ancient world for its athletes, winners of the Olympic Games. But not only could ancient Croton be proud of its sporting achievements; the local philosophical school, whose founder was the legendary Pythagoras, became widely known.
The main ancient treasure of the once great city - the temple of Hera Lacinia (of which only one standing column has survived) - is located a few kilometers from modern Crotone, on the easternmost point of Calabria, Capo Colonna. The Heraion was built in the 6th-5th centuries. BC and was considered the most important religious building in southern Italy.

The main town on the beautiful "Romantic Riviera" is Vibo Valentia. It is located on the shores of the Gulf of Sant'Eufemia. The ancient Greeks called it Hipponion and was considered one of the most important colonies of Magna Graecia. In 192 BC, after joining the Roman Republic, the city received the name Valentia. The main attraction of the city can be considered the Norman-Suevo castle, built in the 11th century, especially since the National Archaeological Museum is now located within its walls. The local coast is one of the most beautiful and ecologically clean coasts in Italy. To appreciate the scale and variety of marine splendor, it is worth coming to the cape. Capo Vatican. From the observation deck there are several unrealistically beautiful views of the azure sea framed by harsh dark rocks.

The town of Tropea is one of the most beautiful Calabrian cities, along with Cosenza and Diamante: It is difficult to specifically think of such a difficult location for a city where fishermen live. Tropea seems to grow out of the world along with a sheer quartz rock, cut off from the Apennine Peninsula by bottomless gorges. Villettudell "Isola" is unanimously considered the most remarkable place in the city, or rather, next to it. This high rock, decorated only with the Church of St. Mtipt^tB^flP"*"*" is connected with the mainland only by a narrow isthmus. Even those who have never been to Calabria know Villetta; her images are regularly featured on the covers of guidebooks to the region.

The largest city in Calabria, Reggio di Calabria, is located on the shores of the Strait of Messina, directly opposite the Sicilian Messina. Both of these cities were founded by the Kalchidians in the 8th century. BC During its history, Reggio was repeatedly conquered and destroyed, in addition, scientists have calculated that terrible earthquakes occur in this zone once every hundred years. The last two disasters happened in 1782 and 1908, after which practically no stone was left unturned in the city.

The main historical value of the provincial capital is considered to be the 15th century Aragonese castle; fortunately, it was only partially damaged. Not far from it stands the Cathedral of Calabria, this structure was restored in pseudo-Romanesque style after the last earthquake. The famous Lungomare Matte Otti promenade runs parallel to the coastline. At the beginning of the 20th century. The richest residents of Reggio built their villas along the seaside boulevard, so most of the palaces are made in the Art Nouveau style. It’s worth visiting the National Museum of Calabria, if only because it houses two unique bronze figures of ancient warriors. They are called Riace Bronzes, after the place where fishermen caught them.

Calabria is a region in Italy located at the very toe of the Italian boot.

The enchanting land of this region reveals all its charm to travelers.

After all, Calabria is not only countless kilometers of turquoise coasts, but also historical settlements of the Normans, Greeks and Byzantines, and unique local cuisine, and original folk festivals of hospitable and generous local residents.

The area of ​​the Calabria region is 15,080 km2; on a map of Italy you will find it in the southern part of the Apennine Peninsula.

This region of Italy is divided into 5 provinces:

• Catanzaro;
• Crotone;
• Reggio Calabria;
• Vibo Valentia.

The capital of Calabria is Catanzaro (previously the capital functions were performed by Reggio Calabria, where the council is still located today).

About 100 thousand people live in the city on the hills.

You need to visit Catanzaro to:

• See one of the longest single-span Morandi bridges in Europe;
• Having risen to the highest point of the city, look around and see two seas at once - the Tyrrhenian and Ionian;
• Resort towns in Calabria are the seaside towns of Scalea, Praia a Mare, Soverato, Tropea and Capo Vaticano.

You will learn more about the cities of the Calabria region from the video:

Regional climate and weather in Calabria

The Region has three climatic zones:

• Mountain, where there is intense snowfall in winter, and in summer temperatures are significantly lower than on the coast;
• Ionian sea, where the summer is hot and sunny, and where there are more hot days a year than in other zones;
• Tyrrhenian sea, with moderately cool winters, hot summers with little rain.

Therefore, beach lovers can go to any coast of Calabria in the summer, but fans of excursions should wait until the off-season.

From the beginning of October to the end of November in Calabria the rainy season

There is also a so-called rainy season in the region - from early October to late November. Short rains occur literally every day at this time, so you should take an umbrella.

How to get to Calabria?

A modern extensive transport system allows you to get to the region without much effort.
All you have to do is choose a convenient mode of transport:

Beaches

The picturesque coasts of Calabria, washed by crystal clear waters, stretch for almost 800 km. Moreover, the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts are strikingly different from each other: the first is famous for its endless white sandy beaches, alternating with secluded cliffs, and the second for its rocky bays, ideal for diving.

The 3-kilometer sandy beach of Gioia Tauro is well suited for families with children. The water here is warm and clean, a light, refreshing breeze always blows, but walking barefoot is not entirely comfortable - there is a small amount of pebbles.

Beautiful beaches of Calabria

The Bova Marina beach near Reggio Calabria, as well as the Amantea beach, are also suitable for children.

The sea here is not only clean, but also with a sloping shore.

Another beach filled with sand and pebbles is Palmi. It is protected from the wind by a mountain range, so in summer it can be very hot here. However, the beach is always filled with vacationers, and there are so many of them that the parking lot cannot accommodate all the vacationers’ cars.

The pearl of the province of Vibo Valentia is the “Coast of the Gods”. Here, in the coastal settlements, there is a beach - the snow-white sand of Capo Vaticano.

In 2004, it was included in the list of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Since then, the beach has been considered elite and is always popular among vacationers.

Here you can swim, sunbathe, and rent pedal boats to explore hidden caves and sea life.

For lovers of a more secluded and relaxing holiday in Calabria, the beaches are more suitable Soverano(located next to the village of the same name) and Arco Magno(between Scalea and Praia a Mare).

The best beaches in Calabria are equipped with showers, there are cafes and restaurants, and in the distance you can find secluded recreation areas.

Thus, you can get to the wild Arco Magno beach only by walking along a narrow and dangerous path through the rocks.

There is a special beach in Calabria - Costa Viola. Tourists try to get there before sunset. At this time, both the water and the sky acquire a purple tint.

Sights of the region and the city of Reggio Calabria

A tour to Italian Calabria usually lasts 1.5-2 weeks, but even during this time it is impossible to see all the sights of the region. We will not list those that are located in any specific town of Calabria (you can read about them in a separate article), we will only focus on the natural attractions and attractions of the oldest town in the Reggio Calabria region.

Natural attractions of Calabria

More than 13% of the region's area is occupied by national parks.
The park received its name in honor of the mountain range that occupies the territory of the provinces of Matera, Potenza and Cosenza. Bosnian pine grows here, the same one from which Papa Carlo made Pinocchio. Frequent guests of the park are rafting enthusiasts, including beginners who want to get the most out of their ride down the Lao River.

Polino National Park in Calabria

National Park "Strength". 80% of the park is occupied by forests, including the “giants of Fallistro” - 500-year-old pines and plane trees, as well as Bosnian pine.

About 150 deer live in the Goliath Corvo Nature Reserve.

This place is also interesting because several ancient picturesque villages have been preserved here and there is the Orme nel Parco eco-park, which offers a number of eco-sensory routes, mountain biking and other entertainment.

Even ordinary walking will be beneficial for your health, because the local air is considered the cleanest in Europe.

The Aspromonte and Serra parks, as well as the Valli CUPE valley in the province of Catanzano, boast real natural rarities and lush vegetation. In addition to giant ferns and ancient ash trees, you can see the Campanaro and Cascata delle Rupe waterfalls, impressive in their height and beauty.

Another amazing place in Calabria is the Stromboli volcano, which is still active and spews lava to a height of 150 m.

Volcano Stromboli is especially beautiful at night

Excursions to the “lighthouse of the Mediterranean” (as the volcano is popularly called) are usually organized at night, so that tourists can fully enjoy the spectacular explosions.

Sights of Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria- the oldest town in the region, founded in the 8th century. B.C.

Outwardly, it does not look like any other Italian city, because... it has a rectangular layout.

City embankment Gabriele d'Annunzio (Italian writer and politician) considered “the most beautiful kilometer of Italy”; its decoration is a promenade lined with fruit trees and exotic plants.

Vacationers strolling along the embankment do not even need to book additional excursions, because right here are the ruins of ancient Greek walls and Roman baths.

In clear weather you can even see the outlines of Sicily and Mount Etna.

Only from the side of Reggio Calabria in the Gulf of Messina can you see the unusual mirage of Fata Morgana. Scientists believe that the mirror image of a city floating above the sea is created by air flows of different temperatures and densities.

Another unique attraction of this town is the small bitter taste that grows only here. yellow orange called bergamot.

And about one more peculiar feature of this town. It is known that Reggio Calabria is a stronghold of the Calabrian mafia, which is called the 'Ndrangheta.

This criminal group controls both illegal businesses (drug trafficking and trade in nuclear materials) and legal businesses (restaurant business and construction).

And although it is known to ordinary people much less than Cosa Nostra and Camorra, its annual income is comparable to the income of a large international corporation - 53 billion euros per year.

Where to stay in Reggio Calabria

In Reggio Calabria you can stay in premium hotels (Grand Hotel Excelsior Reggio Calabria, Albanuova Hotel Reggio Calabria) or in hostels or apartments (Best Season, Una Dimora Di Charme, ATTICO).

Those who want to enjoy their holiday in a homely atmosphere should consider a rental option in this Calabrian town. Most private apartments and apartments are rented out for a week, 15 days or a month in the summer.

Cuisine of Calabria

Every Italian is an artist at heart, so even simple dishes prepared by the hands of the hospitable residents of Calabria are culinary masterpieces.
First courses are no exception.

Here they prepare the Calabrian onion soup licurdia, adding bread for thickness, pecorino cheese for taste and hot peppers for spiciness, as well as vegetable millecosedde, which means soup from “a thousand things” - legumes, pasta and various vegetables.

Locals treat meat with great love, especially pork. They use every part of it in preparing dishes: they make a smoked capocollo roll from the pork neck, a delicious salted pancetta from the ham, and asagne piene lasagna with mozzarella, mushrooms, eggs and green peas from the minced pork.

A separate topic for conversation is sausages. If you can eat several salsicce pork sausages as a separate dish, then you can eat just a little of the famous ngugghia liver sausage.

It is prepared in the Spilinga region by adding huge amounts of chili pepper.

It is used as a spread on bread or as a seasoning for unleavened dishes.

Calabrians living near the coast prefer fish to meat. Like the Lucanians, they often prepare Pesce stocco alla calabres - dried cod in the Calabrian style (first they dry it, then soak it and only then fry it). Also popular are sea bream, octopus, clams, sea bass and swordfish. The latter is stuffed with mushrooms, grilled and fried. Fried sardines are also eaten in breadcrumbs sarde a scapece, as well as alici anchovies fried in oil.

Like all southerners, Calabrians love sweets. Be sure to enjoy Mostaccioli cookies, Bagnara nougat, Le Pitte Nkuse (baskets with wheat grains and cottage cheese), fragrant Kodzupa gingerbread and Tartuffo ice cream.

The region is also famous for its bakery products: Cerchiara di Calabria bread, Nardodipace pizzata (flat bread with hot peppers), fennel seed bread and jermana rye bread are served at the table.
At the end of the meal (to improve digestion) in Calabria they serve liquore cedro - a liqueur made from oranges or tangerines and citron.

Calabria, of course, cannot be called a paradise for shopping lovers, but if you wish, you can buy clothes and perfumes from famous brands with good discounts.

So, in any town in the region there is a shopping center where you can buy middle-class clothes. In large cities, the center of trade is the main street.

In Cosenza it is the 2-kilometer pedestrian street Corso Mazzini, on which there are outlets of famous world brands (Armazem and Kontatto), and the Metropoli shopping center, the number of stores in which exceeds 100.

Every town in the region has a shopping center

In Lamezia Terme Those wishing to bring something from Italy will find the Due Mari shopping center, offering a wide selection of Italian brands of clothing, interior items and cosmetics, as well as the outlet in Calabria “Hanger” - Diffusione Tessile, where items from the brands Marella, Max & Co., MaxMara, Marina Rinaldi can be purchased with a 50% discount.

There are several good multi-brand stores in the town of Vibo Valentia on Vittorio Emanuele Street. There is also an Outlet grandi firme, selling clothes and shoes from the brands ROBERTO CAVALLI, TOMMY HILFIGHER, CALVIN KLEIN, SERGIO ROSSI, ROBERTO BOTTICELLI, etc.

Keep in mind that the official days of summer and winter sales start in Calabria on July 6 and January 5, respectively. Their duration is 60 days.

As for markets, they are organized in the region once a week: in Catanzaro, Tropea and Soverato - on Saturday, in Cosenza - on Friday. Fairs are usually announced a month in advance and last from one to three days. Local producers and visiting traders bring everything from food to antiques to the fair. The beauty of them is that the price can be halved, or even buy a worthwhile item for 1 euro.

Holidays and festivals in Calabria

All public events taking place in Calabria can be divided into categories. These include religious celebrations, food festivals and fairs, as well as art, music and film festivals.
Let's list just a few of them:

• Trebisacca Orange Festival;
• strawberry festival in Acconia;
• smoked ricotta festival in Mammole;
• festival of culture of peasant products in Monterosso;
• beer festival in Marina di Gioisa;
• the great bread festival in Almonte;
• red onion festival in Trope;
• great swordfish festival;
• festival of 'nduja - traditional sausage of Calabria;
• feast of sausages and sausages in Acre;
• Ferruzzano's donut festival in Reggio Calabria;
• Festival of Contemporary Drama in Castrovillar;
• festival of cabaret, theater, fine arts in Altona;
• Magna Graecia Film Festival in Soverato;
• "Intersections" - a celebration of art in the archaeological park of Scolacium;
• Rochella jazz;
• a jazz festival under the symbol of pepperoncino - red Calabrian pepper;
• Polino Carnival;
• Jewish holiday "The Judgment of Christ" in Laino Borgo;
• Vatienti religious procession with self-flagellation ritual in Nocera Terinese;
• the Good Friday procession in Cantazaro;
• crucifixion parade in Cutro;
• Feast of Our Lady of Carmine in Campo Calabro.

There are many holidays and festivals in Calabria

Calabria is a paradise for tourists.

The nature and air of Calabria are considered one of the cleanest (since there are no industrial giants in this region of Italy), the beaches surprise with clear water and snow-white sand, and the hotels of Calabria delight with their comfort and coziness.

The region of Calabria is located in the southern part of the Apennine Peninsula: it forms the toe of the Italian “boot”. Almost two million people live here. Calabria has five provinces, the capital being Catanzaro. The region is located between two seas: the Ionian in the east and the Mediterranean (Tyrrhenian) in the west. South-west of Calabria there is an island (Sicilia); They are separated by the Strait of Messina (Stretto di Messina), its width at its narrowest point is only 3.1 km.

The relief of Calabria is dominated by small hills. The climate is dry and hot. There are good conditions for growing fruits and vegetables, as well as for winemaking.

Calabria is perhaps the only region of Italy that has few historical monuments. This is due to its location: pirates often visited here, destroying and plundering settlements, so it was unprofitable to invest significant funds in the development of this part of the peninsula. For the same reason, the local nature felt the harmful influence of developed industry to a much lesser extent than other parts of the country. For a long time there were no large cities here; even Catanzaro has a population of less than 100 thousand people. That's why Italians love to come to Calabria to take a break from the hustle and bustle.

https://youtu.be/VSVdYsp0GH0

The region became notorious due to the 'Ndrangheta. This is the name of the organized criminal group that emerged here at the end of the 19th century. It is less famous than the Camorra, but significantly exceeds them in power. According to some estimates, the organization's annual income is 35-40 billion euros, which is equal to 3.5% of Italy's GDP. The strategy of the organization’s leaders, who refrained from open opposition to the authorities and carefully concealed their activities, allowed them to achieve such indicators and remain in the shadows for a long time. According to some estimates, the 'Ndrangheta has long ceased to be a group of local significance and has reached the level of international criminal corporations. However, this does not affect tourists coming to Calabria in any way - the interests of the organization lie in completely different areas.

History and culture

Rock paintings found on the territory of Calabria indicate that ancient people lived here as early as the 9th millennium BC. Eight thousand years later, Greek colonists came here, displacing the tribes that lived before them. The city of Reggio di Calabria, the center of the province of the same name, the first in terms of population in the region, was founded in 744 BC. The name of the area, “fertile land”, was also given by the Greeks. Another Greek word, “sybarite,” also “comes” from Calabria - this was the name given to the inhabitants of the city of Sybaris, known for their luxurious living conditions.

Despite its remote location, Calabria every now and then found itself on the path of successive conquerors or their opponents. Pyrrhus, Hannibal, etc. passed through it. In 410, it was captured by the Visigoths, led by the first king Alaric. Here he died and was buried near the modern city of Cosenza. In the 11th century, the region was divided into two parts, Latin northern and Greek southern. Calabria was successively captured by the French, Aragonese, and Spaniards...

The region became part of a united Italy in 1861. This had a detrimental effect on the economy of the region, which was already underdeveloped. Due to increased competition, many businesses closed, and a significant part of the population emigrated to the United States.

The period of Greek colonization left a deep mark on the culture of Calabria, including having a significant influence on its cuisine. There are many ancient traditions here that have been preserved unchanged for centuries. For example, each significant holiday has its own menu, with a certain number of dishes and their content. Throughout the year, several major festivals are held here, related to the culinary preferences of the local residents. So, in May there is a strawberry festival, and at the end of July there is a swordfish festival, during which you can take part in spearfishing.

Among the alcoholic drinks, lemon liqueurs, Cedro and Limoncello are especially popular here. They are served very chilled, in frosty bottles.

Attractions

As mentioned above, there are not many places in Calabria rich in architectural masterpieces or valuable historical monuments. Nevertheless, in almost every town you can find several remarkable ancient buildings, and just walking along the streets of small towns, many of which have existed for the second millennium, is very interesting. First of all, you should pay attention to the cities of Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia, which are the centers of the provinces of the same name.

Reggio di Calabria is the largest city in Calabria. Almost 190 thousand people live here.

In Reggio Calabria it is worth taking a look at the Aragonese castle (Castello Aragonese), built under the Normans at the beginning of the 11th century. Its walls are so strong that they withstood even the devastating earthquake of the early 20th century, which destroyed many buildings.

The city embankment is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Italy. In good weather you can see Sicily on the horizon.

Located 20 kilometers to the north, the town of Scilla (population barely exceeds 5,000 people) is famous for the Ruffo Castle (Castello Ruffo), built in the mid-13th century. Previously, it was the residence of the rulers of Calabria, now it is a museum. You can get inside for 1.5 euros.

Gerace, located on the shores of the Ionian Sea, 90 km from the provincial capital, is known as the city of a hundred churches. However, only 20 of them remain, including the Church of Nunziatella (Chiesa della Nunziatella), built in the 10th century and miraculously surviving numerous earthquakes. The city's cathedral (Duomo) is the largest church in Calabria; this building dates back to the 11th century.

Another ancient building is the Byzantine church of San Giovannello (Chiesetta di San Giovannello); it was also built in the 10th century.

In the very south of the peninsula, 40 km from Reggio di Calabria, is Pentedattilo, the so-called ghost town. One of the oldest settlements in the region, founded in 640 BC, it was severely damaged by an earthquake that occurred at the end of the 18th century. Most of the residents left the city, and after a few years it was completely deserted. The city was abandoned until the second half of the 20th century, when volunteers from European countries began work on its restoration. No one still lives here, but there is a restaurant, a museum, and several craft shops. Those wishing to visit can stay in the nearby town of Melita di Porto Salvo.

Vibo Valentia

The city of Vibo Valentia is considered the birthplace of the 'Ndrangheta. There is a Norman castle here; The exact period of its construction is unknown, but in official documents dating back to 1070, the castle is already mentioned.

The town of Pizzo is located 10 km north of Vibo Valentia. Its main attraction is the rock church of Piedigrotta (Chiesetta di Piedigrotta). The halls of the church are located in the thickness of the rock, inside there are many statues that seem ancient, but in fact were created in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by two local sculptors, father and son. The church is open daily, entrance fee is charged.

30 km west of Vibo Valentia on the seashore stands Tropea. This medieval city was not damaged at all by the earthquake of 1905, so all the medieval buildings here have been preserved intact. One of the most impressive is the snow-white church of Santa Maria dell’Isola. The building stands on top of a hill; A staircase carved into the rock leads to it. You can’t get into the church, but no one bothers you to admire the view. At the foot of the hill lies a sandy beach; The observation deck on Largo Migliarese street allows you to look at it from above.

Crotone, Catanzaro, Cosenza

Crotone is one of the oldest cities in Calabria, from which its colonization by the Greeks began. According to legend, the place on the seashore where ancient Croton arose in 708 BC was indicated to the Greeks by the Delphic Oracle. The cathedral (Duomo) has stood in the center of Crotone since the 9th century.

The ancient castle, founded at the same time, was supposed to protect the city from Saracen raids. It was rebuilt seven centuries later; Nowadays, it houses the exposition of the archaeological museum.

The center of the province of the same name, Catanzaro, is notable for its location, due to which strong winds constantly blow in the city. It is located in a seismic zone, so many historical buildings and structures have been repeatedly destroyed, rebuilt and restored over the years of their existence. An example is the cathedral, built in 1121: the last reconstruction was carried out after the Second World War, during which the cathedral suffered significant damage.

One of the attractions of the city of Cosenza is the 11th century cathedral. After numerous restorations, it acquired its current appearance, which has not changed since the beginning of the 19th century. The cathedral houses an ancient relic: a wooden crucifix from the 15th century. It was installed in memory of Isabella of Aragon, the wife of Philip III, King of France, who died here while returning with her husband from another crusade.

Beach holiday

Since the sea surrounds the region on almost all sides, there is no shortage of beaches here. This is all the more pleasant since the coastal areas of Calabria are very hot in summer. Local resorts are designed for people with average incomes: Calabria is the poorest region of Italy, Therefore, the price level here is much lower than in other parts of the country. Beach holidays are just beginning to actively develop, the sea is still clean, so it’s worth taking the opportunity to relax here before the situation changes for the worse.

Do you want to have an inexpensive holiday in Italy? Calabria is waiting for you!

In the south of the Apennine Peninsula, at the very toe of the Italian “boot”, the Italian region with the capital Catanzaro is located, washed by two seas - the Ionian in the east and the Mediterranean (Tyrrhenian) in the west. Calabria is made up of five provinces with a population of almost two million people. A little southwest across the Strait of Messina lies the famous Sicily. Italians love to come here to relax from the hustle and bustle, enjoy the sea air and the beautiful, crystal blue sea.

Benefits of holidays in Calabria

In the south of Italy, especially in Calabria, you can see Italy as it really is. The fact is that this part of the country has never developed at the same pace as other parts of Italy and even Europe. And this state of affairs has its advantages. Firstly, economic: in southern Italy the best housing prices in terms of price-location-quality. Due to the low rate of development, most beaches of Calabria have not yet been damaged or built up. The lack of mass development helps to find housing a stone's throw from the sea at good prices.

Beach holidays are just beginning to actively develop, there are not many tourists, the sea is still perfectly clean, so you should definitely take advantage of the opportunity to relax here.
Another advantage of the region is the quality of life. There is no so-called “micro-crime” in Calabria. This is one of the few regions where you don’t have to lock your house doors at all. Young people can safely walk along city streets at any time. Unfortunately, most European cities cannot boast of this.

Beaches of Calabria

Since the sea surrounds the region on almost all sides, beaches are plentiful. IN Reggio Calabria is located more than .

The tourist season in Calabria lasts from early June to early September. The weather is moderately warm all year round, and hot in summer. From the beginning of June, the water temperature warms up from +20°C to +25°C, in July it is already +25...+26°C, in August it sometimes reaches +28°C. The hottest months in Calabria are July and August, the same months being the high season.

The best beaches of Calabria stretch along the coast between towns Tropea And Capo Vaticano.

Coast of the Gods or Costa degli Dei

Here, the smallest mountain range of Calabria juts out into the Tyrrhenian Sea, abruptly ending and hanging picturesquely over the blue water. Capo Vaticano(Capo-Vaticano). The beach (Grotticelle) is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful on the Coast of the Gods - a long coastline to suit every taste: small pebbles, sand and stones closer to the rocks. You can pay for a sun lounger with an umbrella or sunbathe on your own towel - there is enough space for everyone.

Of course it is beautiful, but quite crowded. But there is an opportunity from Grotticelli beach to get to secluded, secluded cove beaches with clear water and white sand. Just take a catamaran for 1.5 - 2 hours and enjoy magnificent views of the coast and swimming in clear azure water.

In the evening, many Capo Vaticano vacationers go to the lighthouse to enjoy the peaceful view of the sunset. From this place there is a beautiful panoramic view of the coast, the Aeolian Islands, Groticelle beach, and the Scoglio Mantineo cliff. The setting sun dips into the sea just behind the island of Stromboli.

From Capo Vaticano there are excursions several times a week. Eolian Islands (Isole Eolie). The excursion to the islands of Stromboli-Panarea-Lipari-Vulcano lasts all day, there is even a night excursion to the volcano. We recommend visiting, because these islands are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the Stromboli volcano is still active.

Tropea

Tropea- one of the most beautiful cities in Calabria, which is often called the pearl of the Tyrrhenian coast.

Its history began during the Roman Republic. They say that the battle between Pompey and Octavian took place along this coastline. Octavian Augustus liked the picturesque and convenient harbor, and he built a trading port here.

But if you believe other legends, then the founder of the cities was Hercules. Returning from Spain, he stopped on the coast of the Gods, and this is how Tropea appeared - one of the ports of Hercules.

Here life is always in full swing: people sit in cafes and restaurants, go shopping, swim on the city beaches, excursion ships sail from the seaport to the Aeolian Islands.

In the Old Town on Piazza Ercole there is a Tourist Information Center, where you can get a city map, free booklets and use wi-fi.

Scalea

Another great option for a beach holiday on the Tyrrhenian coast is the city Scalea(Scalea) – 8 km of wide beach strip. The water on the Ionian coast is, of course, warmer than on the Tyrrhenian coast, but in summer this does not matter much.

Amantea

And if you decide to spend your holiday here during the high season, it is advisable to take care of accommodation in advance, since there are more vacationers here than in other parts of Calabria. But if the beaches, where the apples have nowhere to fall, irritate you, to put it mildly, then go south, closer to the capital, to the town (Amantea). There are significantly fewer tourists there and the local beaches are excellent for families with small children.

Soverato

If you prefer the Ionian coast, where there is much less rainfall and cloudy days, then pay attention to the beaches of the town (Soverato). Picturesque rocks, in some places very close to the water, fine white sand and good infrastructure - here you have everything you need for a great holiday. Moreover, it is possible to get here by bus directly from the airport.

Transport Calabria

There are three airports in Calabria:

• Aeroporto di Lamezia Terme– The central airport is in the city of Lamezia Terme, 20 km from the capital of the region, Catanzaro. Flights operate here from major cities in Italy, as well as from France, Germany, and the UK.
• Aeroporto dello Stretto– airport 5 km from Reggio Calabria. It serves only domestic flights, including those connecting the mainland with Sicily.
• Aeroporto di Santa Anna– airport in the city of Crotone, provides seasonal flights to Rome and Milan.

The nearest airport outside the region is in Naples. The distance to the center of Calabria is considerable, but if necessary, you can get here by train: the journey will take 4 hours with one transfer, and a ticket will cost at least 41 euros.

Ferry services are also well developed in Calabria. Main ports:

• Reggio di Calabria,
• Vibo Marina
• Sibari is located in the north of the region, on the Ionian coast.

There are also several small ports serving mainly summer tourist routes.

Tourists without a car travel between cities by train. The trains are small, only 2 cars.
The main railway junction is the city Reggio Calabria(Reggio di Calabria), from which two branches leave - one along the west coast, towards Naples, the second along the east coast to Taranto in Apulia.

Some parts of the region can only be reached by car, so those who enjoy an active holiday may want to consider renting a car upon arrival in Calabria.

The history of Calabria is very, very ancient - from the rock paintings found, it can be judged that people lived here back in the 9th millennium BC. And eight thousand years later, Greek colonists came here for a long time, displacing the tribes that lived before them. Then Calabria was successively captured by the French, Aragonese, and Spaniards...

Pyrrhus, Hannibal, and Spartacus passed through it. And only in 1861 the region became part of the United Italy.

But, despite the difficult history and natural disasters, the region was able to maintain a spirit full of harmony and beauty. Here, like no other place, the features of Byzantine, Albanian, Greek, Spanish and French culture are combined.

But it was the period of Greek colonization that left the most tangible mark on the history of the region. By the way, the word “sybarite” also “comes” from Calabria - this was the name given to the inhabitants of the city of Sybaris, known for their luxurious living conditions.

So what can you see and visit in Calabria?

In almost every town you can find several remarkable ancient buildings, in addition, it is interesting to simply wander the streets of small towns that have absorbed the history of two thousand years!
A little warning: when going sightseeing, remember the siesta - during the day most places are closed to the public!

Aragonese castle in Pizzo it was built at the beginning of the 11th century by the Normans, but became famous thanks to the tragic fate of Joachim Murat, who was Napoleon’s marshal and married to his sister Caroline.
To this day, the walls of the castle are so strong that they remained undamaged during the devastating earthquake of the early 20th century, which destroyed many buildings.

Piedigrotta(Chiesetta di Piedigrotta) is a very unique church carved into the rock in the town of Pizzo. The church halls, located in the thickness of the rock, house many statues of saints and entire compositions on religious themes in an “antique” manner. Although they were actually made in the 19th and 20th centuries, they fit very organically into the gloomy color of the room. A very unusual place.

Pizzo is also famous for its truffle ice cream Tartufo(tartufo).

The ice cream was first made in 1943 especially for the visit of Prince Umberto I of Savoy. Tartufo is a small ball of ice cream with filling inside. According to the classic recipe, tartufo is made from nut ice cream, then the ball is rolled in cocoa to give it a rich dark brown color, and liquid dark chocolate is used as a filling.

There is also Tartufo based on lemon ice cream with limoncello inside. Now every ice cream parlor in Pizzo(Pizzo) has its own special recipe for making Tartufo, with its own unique taste.

The best way to enjoy a refreshing delicacy and at the same time enjoy the sights is at the gelateria on the central Republic Square overlooking Murat Castle.

The city promenade of Reggio Calabria is called “the most beautiful kilometer of Italy.” The embankment consists of 2 parallel roads - Corso Matteotti and Via Falcomata, separated by a beautiful botanical garden.

On the embankment, a red building built in the 14th century in Venetian style attracts attention. This Villa Dzerbi. It still belongs to the descendants of Zerbi from Genoa. Villa Zerbi today hosts the main events of the Venice Art Biennale in Southern Italy. In front of Villa Dzerbi there are 3 very unique modern sculptures; according to some, they represent the 3 stages of human development.

And they also say that sometimes you can see an unusual mirage. It appears at certain moments in the Gulf of Messina, and can only be seen from the side of Reggio Calabria.

Pentedattilo(Pentedattilo) – ghost town. 40 km from Reggio di Calabria is the oldest settlement in the region, which existed for more than two millennia, but was abandoned by its inhabitants two centuries ago due to a devastating earthquake.

And in the twentieth century, a group of European enthusiasts began to restore the abandoned city. Nobody still lives here, but the city is waiting for tourists - a museum and a restaurant, craft shops and a store are open.
There is a town nearby Melita di Porta Salvo(Melito di Porto Salvo) where you can stay if you decide to stay longer in this place.

Ruffo Castle(Castello Ruffo) - in the town of Scilla. The ancient building of the 13th century used to house the residence of the rulers of Calabria; now there is a museum, which you can get inside for only 1.5 euros.

City of Gerace(Gerace) is known to everyone as the city of 100 churches, but in reality there are only 20 left.

There are many interesting places here:

• Ottimati Church or Santa Maria Annunziata (Ottimati, Santa Maria Annunziata)
  – the church was built in the Byzantine-Arab style in the 10th century, during the time of the Saracens. It is worth paying attention to the mosaic floor, lined with Byzantine mosaics.
• Madonna del Carmelo- a church among a chestnut forest at the very top of the Monte Poro mountain plateau, rising at an altitude of 711 m above sea level. Local residents near the church sell fresh homemade products at prices much lower than in the supermarket.
• Grotto of the Madonna(Grotta delle Fonti) – in the village of Spilinga – a very beautiful place with lush vegetation. In the grotto there is a statue of the Madonna (Madonna della Fontana), next to a very picturesque pond. A path leads up, decorated with bas-reliefs on biblical themes..
  By the way, the famous Calabrian sausage, nduja di Spilinga, is produced in Spiling.

Also, in many towns, ancient castles and cathedrals have been preserved, which have already celebrated their millennium. In one of these cathedrals in the city Cosenza(Cosenza) houses an ancient relic: a wooden crucifix from the 15th century, erected in memory of Isabella of Aragon, the wife of King Philip III of France, who died here while returning with her husband from another crusade.

Cathedral of the 11th century– Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo is the largest church in Calabria. Inside the cathedral there are sarcophagi of local bishops of the 5th-6th centuries. Particular attention should be paid to the works of art: two fonts of Concesso Barca, a marble altar with bronze bas-reliefs by Antonio Berti, 19th-century paintings and a medallion by Francesco Gerace. Next to the square in front of the cathedral there is a staircase that will lead you to the statue of the first bishop Stefano di Nicea and the Apostle Paul.

City of Vibo Valentia

City of Vibo Valentia(Vibo Valentia) - the “notoriety” brought to it by the ‘Ndrangheta, an organized crime group that emerged here at the end of the 19th century, is less known than the Sicilian Cosa Nostra or the Camorra, but more powerful (with an annual income of 35-40 billion euros, which is equal to 3.5% of Italy's GDP). They say that the 'Ndrangheta has long ceased to be a local group and has reached the level of international criminal corporations.

However, tourists should not worry about this - the interests of the organization affect completely different areas of life.

In addition to the “mafia” history, the Old City has many churches, ancient villas, and parks. Many tourists also come to Vibo Valentia for shopping.

Another interesting place in the province of Vibo Valentia is the Abbey of Serra San Bruno. There is a working monastery here, and the mountainous terrain and deciduous forests surrounding the abbey create a special healing microclimate.

Santa Maria dell'Isola is a very impressive sight - on the seashore in the town of Tropea, on the top of a hill surrounded by sandy beaches, stands a snow-white church, reached by a staircase carved into the rock. According to legend, it was built by sailors who were shipwrecked off the coast of Calabria and saved thanks to the statue of St. Mary, which was later installed in the temple. Unfortunately, entry into the church is prohibited, but you can enjoy the beautiful views, including from a specially equipped observation deck.

Festivals of Calabria

In addition to historical attractions, more fun (and delicious) entertainment awaits you. Throughout the year, Calabria hosts several large and very original festivals:

• V May there is a strawberry festival here;
• at the beginning July– swordfish festival, the main idea of ​​which is the revival of one of the oldest traditions on earth: swordfish hunting. This particular time was not chosen by chance - at the beginning of July, the swordfish rushes to find a partner for reproduction. As a rule, these fish live in the calm waters of the Strait of Messina.
• V August Reggio di Calabria hosts the STOCCO Festival, a tasting of fresh or dried cod prepared in various ways according to traditional recipes. The history of the holiday goes back to the distant past.

The story began in the 16th century, when Calabria was part of the Kingdom of Naples, dried cod arrived at the port of Naples from Norway, then the fish was transported on small boats to the south of Italy to the town of Pizzo, where the dried cod was subjected to special processing, as a result of which it became very tender and soft, ready to use in various dishes. Over time, dried cod has become one of the traditional dishes of the region, and in its honor a gastronomic festival is held annually on August 9.

• August 23 Every year in Reggio di Calabria they celebrate Cavalluccio, a festival of Calabrian dance dedicated to the patron saint of the castle of St. Anthony.
• at the end October– The Mushroom Festival takes place in Reggio Calabria.
• V September– Peperoncino Festival in honor of the red Calabrian pepper, and many other exciting entertainments.

There are also festivals of bread, wine, sausage, red onion; carnivals and religious processions; fir holiday and freedom round dance and much, much more.

Each significant holiday has its own menu, with a clearly defined number of dishes and strict adherence to all the rules for their preparation. There are many ancient traditions here that have remained unchanged for many centuries.

So if you decide to go to Calabria, you certainly won’t be bored!