Tropea and Pizzo Calabro are two ancient villages, rich in history, art and culture that are located in Calabria, in the province of Vibo Valentia and overlooking the beautiful Costa degli Dei. The beauty of their beaches is accompanied by a thousand-year history and architectural treasures.
Tropea
Located on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, Tropea is one of the hidden gems of the Mediterranean, nestled between the crystal clear sea and the cliffs overlooking the waves.
This charming town, rich in history, art and natural beauty, captivates visitors with its authentic Italian and Mediterranean atmosphere.
Tropea rises on an almost circular rock platform and dominates the crystal clear waters of the Costa degli Dei from a height of fifty metres. Its elevated and protected position has been the fortune of the town, which in the past has known a considerable importance both military and economic. The Coast of the Gods extends for fifty-five kilometers, starting from Pizzo Calabro in the north, to Nicotera in the south, and covers the entire maritime coast of the province of Vibo Valentia.
The origins of Tropea date back to the Greek era, when the city was known as “Tropis” meaning ship, while other legends say that it was the demigod Heracles who founded the city in homage to his nurse.
Tropea is part of the circuit The most beautiful villages in Italy and for the quality of its waters has obtained the recognition of the blue flag.
What to see in Tropea
Over the centuries, Tropea has been influenced by several civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, Normans and Aragonese who left an indelible mark on the city.
The historic center of Tropea is presented to tourists as a maze of cobbled streets, cozy squares and historic palaces.
Tropea is rich in artistic treasures that testify to its millennial history and its cultural richness. Tourists can admire many works of art, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Santissima of Romania, the Church of San Francesco di Paola, the Church of Michelizia and the iconic Church of Santa Maria dell’Isola.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Santissima di Romania was built by the Normans in the 12th century. The interior of the Cathedral is in Romanesque style, has three naves and houses the effigy of the Virgin of Romania, patron saint of the city.
The effigy that depicts the Madonna is very ancient, came to the city from the Byzantine countries of the east, most likely when there was the so-called iconoclast movement, built in the Roman East in the eighth century. d.c. to combat the idolatry of sacred images.
Inside the Cathedral there are a Black Crucifix made in 1600 in France and the relics of Santa Domenica, native of Tropea and patron saint of the city. The Diocesan Museum of Tropea is located in the ancient premises of the Bishopric. The Museum houses a valuable collection of gold and silver of the Cathedral, paintings, sacred artifacts and archaeological finds that tell the religious and cultural history of the region.
Our Lady of Romania of Tropea is celebrated on March 27 and September 9 with a solemn procession, in which all the authorities and citizens of Tropea participate with great devotion.
The Church of San Francesco di Paola, founded in 1500, is worth a visit because it testifies the passage to Tropea del Santo, who wanted to build a church and a convent outside the city walls.
The Church of Michelizia, was built in the thirteenth century and is dedicated to Santa Maria della Neve. It is named in memory of the benefactor who founded it, a rich Sicilian merchant named Michele Milizia. The most interesting part of the church is the dome, Byzantine style – Arabic.
Finally, the iconic and historic Church of Santa Maria dell’Isola that stands on a rock in front of Tropea.
The church has uncertain origins but is thought to have been built by the Byzantines between the 6th and 9th centuries. He passed from Basilian to Benedictine monks with Robert Guiscard, Norman ruler. Unfortunately, the church suffered extensive damage with the earthquakes of 1783 and 1905, so little remains of its original structure. The staircase to reach it dates back to 1810.
Tropea also has many historical and noble palaces to see and tourists are spoiled for choice.
Natural Beauties of Tropea
Tropea boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, with golden sand, crystal clear waters and breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Tropea Beach is the most famous, with its turquoise waters and white cliffs that stand out in the background. Other must-see beaches include Michelino Beach and Rotonda Beach, each with its own unique charm and relaxing atmosphere. Other beautiful beaches are those of Cannone, Convento or Marina dell’Isola, Linguata. Finally in Tropea there is a very special beach, the Grotta del Palombaro. To get there you need to rent a small boat or swim from Marina dell’Isola, because the route is very difficult by land.
Gastronomic experiences
A trip to Tropea would not be complete without savoring the delicious Calabrian cuisine. The city is famous for its local products, including the extra virgin olive oil of the Colli di Tropea, the red onion of Tropea, with a sweet and delicate taste, and the fileja, a handmade pasta served with fresh tomato sauce and salted ricotta. In addition, the restaurants and trattorias of the old town offer a wide selection of traditional dishes, such as fresh fish caught in the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and local cheeses and meats, including pecorino cheese of Monte Poro DOP, the ‘Nduja of Spilinga, ricotta pecorina, accompanied by fine wines of the region.
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Pizzo Calabro
Along the spectacular Tyrrhenian coast called Costa degli Dei, stands Pizzo Calabro, a charming ancient village that enchants tourists with its thousand-year history, its works of art and its natural wonders.
Pizzo Calabro boasts an ancient history that has its roots in Greek and Roman times. Founded by the ancient Greeks, the city later became an important Roman center, as evidenced by the discovery of archaeological finds and remains of the ancient city. Over the centuries, Pizzo Calabro has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Byzantines, the Normans and the Aragonese, who have left a deep trace on the town.
What to see in Pizzo Calabro
The historic center of Pizzo Calabro is a real open-air museum, rich in historical monuments and works of art that tell the history and culture of the town. Among the main attractions not to be missed is the Murat Castle, an imposing fortress of medieval origin located on a cliff overlooking the sea, rebuilt in the fifteenth century and home to important historical events. Inside you can visit the Museo Muratiano, dedicated to the figure of Joachim Murat, king of Naples and brother-in-law of Napoleon Bonaparte, who lived in the castle before its execution in 1815.
Pizzo Calabro has many churches to visit, among the most important is the Church of San Giorgio.The church, located in the heart of the historic center of Pizzo, dates back to the sixteenth century and is dedicated to San Giorgio, the patron saint of the city. It has an elegant Baroque façade and an interior richly decorated with frescoes and sacred works of art.
The Church Maria SS. Immacolata and S. Ferdinando Re (called the “Marina”), 18th century, built on the ruins of the Convent of the Augustinian Fathers (destroyed in 1783). It houses the statue of the Madonna Addolorata and San Ferdinando.
The Church of San Sebastiano (XVI century), since 1729 seat of the Archconfraternity of the name of SS. Maria. Decorated with stuccoes, wooden statues and works by Calabrian artists such as Zimatore, Morani, Murmura, Grillo, Carioti.
The Church of Purgatory (1651), with the crypt “of the Dead” hosting seated or vertical skeletons.
The Church of the Madonna del Carmine (1579), the oldest in Pizzo, with frescoes and statues of the Madonna del Carmine and Santa Rita da Cascia.
The Church of the Immaculate (1630), with wooden statue of the Immaculate on its high altar.
The Convent of the Minimal Fathers of San Francesco di Paola (1579), with corresponding church, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1905. Elevated to Diocesan Sanctuary in 2013.
Finally, the Church of Piedigrotta, carved in sandstone in the seventeenth century by Neapolitan shipwrecks, adorned with statues representing sacred characters.
These are just some of the most important churches of Pizzo Calabro, but the city also houses other churches and chapels of historical and artistic interest. A visit to these churches and also to the many historic buildings, allows you to immerse yourself in the rich religious and historical tradition of Calabria.
Natural Beauties of Pizzo Calabro
Pizzo Calabro is surrounded by unspoilt nature and breathtaking landscapes that offer numerous opportunities for lovers of nature and outdoor sports.
The beaches of Pizzo, characterized by golden sand and crystal clear waters, invite you to relax in the sun and enjoy the beautiful waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. In addition, the surrounding area offers a variety of hiking trails and scenic routes leading to spectacular views of the sea and surrounding mountains.
Gastronomic experience
A trip to Pizzo Calabro would not be complete without savoring the delights of Calabrian cuisine. The town is famous for the ice cream called the “Truffle of Pizzo”.
Il Tartufo di Pizzo is a single-serving artisanal ice cream, with a chocolate heart that has the characteristic of melting before ice cream and forming a thick fluid black drop. The external surface is covered with bitter cocoa. It is a typical product of Pizzo Calabro, renowned in Italy and Europe since the 50s.
Not to forget, a gastronomic tour to the restaurants and trattorias of the old town that offer a wide selection of traditional Calabrian dishes, such as ‘Nduja, the spicy sausage typical of the region, and fresh fish caught in the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Nduja is served in various ways: spread on croutons, or as a condiment for fileja, the pasta characteristic of the province of Vibo Valentia.
How to reach Tropea and Pizzo Calabro
By plane: the closest airport to Pizzo Calabro and Tropea is Lamezia Terme International Airport. From the airport you can hire a car or take a taxi to both destinations.
By train: the nearest railway stations are Pizzo Calabro and Tropea. You can take a train from various Italian cities to Lamezia Terme Centrale station and then change trains to Pizzo Calabro or Tropea.
By car: both locations are easily accessible by car. Pizzo Calabro and Tropea are connected to the motorway network through the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria. You can follow the motorway to the nearest exit and then follow the signs to the desired locations.
By bus: there are services that connect Pizzo Calabro and Tropea with other cities of Calabria and other Italian regions. You can check timetables and fares at bus stations or online via the websites of transport companies.
In conclusion, Tropea and Pizzo Calabro, are two fascinating destinations that offer a perfect mix of history, art, nature and gastronomy. They are two towns to visit to immerse yourself in the authentic beauty and culture of Calabria.
Copertina: Unsplash
