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Calabria’s most important archeological parks: a practical guide
Calabria is an ancient land which still today retains important historical sites which testify to its past splendour. It is often indicated in tourist guides due to its beaches with their deep sea beds and crystalline waters, and yet the many archeological sites in Calabria give this region an extra reason to be visited. Many peoples have passed through here, including the Greeks and Romans and, way back, even prehistoric man, leaving behind traces of their rock art.
Sibari: Roman and Greek ruins
In Sibari, one of the most important archeological sites in Calabria, you can visit the Archeological Park of Sibari, which boasts ruins of the Greek and Roman city. You can admire the ancient paved streets, the thermal baths, the mosaics, what was the port of the city and the ancient foundations of the noble houses. Within this site you’ll find the Sibaritide Archeological Museum, a real jewel for lovers of ancient history and art.
Vibo Valentia and its archeological park
Calabria’s most famous archeological sites of course include the historic park of Vibo Valentia, famous for its well-preserved ruins, which include Greek walls, a Doric temple and a Roman theatre. Its importance resides in its testimony to Calabria’s ancient history, especially the Greek colony of Hipponion. The park is also home to the "Vito Capialbi" Archeological Museum, which displays significant finds dating back to Greek and Roman times.
Not too far away, then, you’ll find VOI Le Musa Essentia, a facility on the sea, just ten kilometres from Tropea, boasting all mod cons and all types of services. It is one of the most loved resorts in Calabria, due to its excellent position: it faces the coast, but is surrounded by a massive park of Mediterranean vegetation
Kaulon, the ancient Ionic colony
Calabria’s many archeological sites also include Kaulon, an ancient colony of Magna Grecia, located on the Ionic Calabrian coast near Monasterace. It is not so well known, yet it boasts ruins of great importance. The main attractions include the Doric temple, dating back to the 5th Century BC, with come columns and parts of the structure remaining; and the House of the Dragon floor mosaic, an extraordinary polychrome work decorated with mythological motifs.
Not far from this enchanting archaeological park in Calabria we find the VOI Floriana Resort, a facility immersed in lush green facing the region’s Ionic coast. A perfect starting point for a tour discovering Calabria’s historic sites.
Locri Epizephyrii, the splendour of Magna Grecia
Finally, we have Locri Epizephyrii, an extremely interesting archeological park, famous for having been a key colony of Magna Grecia, founded as far back as the 7th Century BC. Located in South Calabria, Locri was a lively polis greca, a reference point of the age in both political and religious terms. Bearing witness to this, we have the ruins of the Sanctuary of Persephone, temples, theatres and the famous tablets/pinakes of Locri, votive terracotta offerings to the gods.
