The essential guide to Calabria’s most captivating archaeological parks
Calabria is a land where Europe’s story began long before its borders were drawn—a breathtaking open-air museum. While its pristine beaches beckon countless summer travellers, the region’s real marvels are found inland and along the rugged coast, where echoes of Magna Graecia and Imperial Rome rise from the earth. Embark on a journey to discover the archaeological parks that reveal the soul of Calabria in all its authenticity.
Highlights of the Sybaris Archaeological Park
Nestled between the Ionian Sea and the Sila Mountains, the Sybaris plain is home to one of Italy’s grandest archaeological sites. Founded in 720 BC, ancient Sybaris was famed as one of Magna Graecia’s wealthiest and most sophisticated colonies. Strolling its cobbled streets, ancient baths, and the remains of Roman houses is like opening the pages of a living history book. The park’s crown jewel, the National Archaeological Museum of Sibaritide, showcases amphorae, coins, sculptures, and richly decorated ceramics in an exhibition where beauty meets scientific rigor.
Why visit the Archaeological Park of Vibo Valentia
Perched above the ancient city of Hipponion, a Greek colony founded in the 6th century BC, the Archaeological Park of Vibo Valentia safeguards the enduring legacy of Greek walls, the remains of a Doric temple, and a Roman theatre with sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian coast. Complementing these monumental ruins is the "Vito Capialbi" Archaeological Museum, home to artifacts spanning the Greek, Roman, and medieval eras. This remarkable destination invites visitors on an archaeological journey into the heart of historic Calabria, mere steps from the sea.
What endures of the ancient city of Kaulon
South of Monasterace Marina on the Ionian coast, the archaeological park of ancient Kaulon stands as one of Magna Graecia’s lesser-known yet most enchanting colonies. The site captivates with its 5th-century BC Doric temple, its elegant columns rising from a pristine landscape, and with the famed mosaic of the House of the Dragon, an exquisite floor depicting mythological scenes. This intimate and evocative place, still untouched by mass tourism, is perfect for travellers seeking genuine and tranquil cultural experiences while being near the sea.
