CATANZARO | CALABRIA

Discover Catanzaro

The province of Catanzaro overlooks the sea on both the east and west side.
The Ionian Sea borders the province of Catanzaro to the east, and the Tyrrhenian Sea borders it to the west.
Catanzaro is a jewel of a city for seaside tourism, especially along the Ionian coast. There are three theories about the founding of Catanzaro: the first is that it was originally a Magna Graecia colony whereas other scholars believe it was founded on the ruins of the ancient city of Trischines. The third hypothesis suggests it was formed from separate settlements located in the marine area of Catanzaro and along the Corace Valley, the ancient "Land of the Feaci".
It is said that Ulysses founded Skilletion at the mouth of the river. Actually, tradition has it that it was the hero Menesteo who founded the city. The many archaeological finds made in these areas can be seen the Scolacium Archaeological Park.

Well worth visiting is the area around the Gulf of Squillace. It extends from Catanzaro to Soverato with alternating areas of fine white sand and breathtaking cliffs.

In the province of Catanzaro, take a look at Cortale, surrounded by woods. The land has been expertly planted with fruit trees, but the woodwardia is the main feature of this town.
It is a very rare plant, a type of paleo-tropical fern, which has found its optimum habitat in this area because of the almost constant temperature of around 10°. Another type of very rare fern, the osmunda regalis, also grows beside the Presipe River.

Taverna is the birthplace of Mattia Preti, the well-known Calabrian painter. Taverna has extensive lands, which also include the Sila National Park, a lively park full of activities and a selection of routes to follow among the rare beauties of its landscape.

At the heart of Taverna is the Mancuso Village with the original exterior decorations of the houses made with light and dark coloured wooden laths. Village Mancuso is a perfect starting point for key destinations such as Ciricilla and its skiing facilities, the “Poverella” Biogenetic Reserve, Racise and Grechi.