The Nausicaa Riviera

The Roccelletta di Borgia Archaeological Park (in the province of Catanzaro) is the site of the Greek colony of Skylletion. Excavations have revealed structures from various periods, including the Roman theatre and forum and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Roccella, of Norman origin (1060 AD). No masonry structures from the ancient Greek city of Skylletion have yet been uncovered, due to the subsequent construction of the Roman city, but numerous ceramic artefacts from the 4th, 5th and 6th centuries BC have been found. Within the Park is the Antiquarium, which houses a number of local finds, including a splendid series of statues and portraits from the Imperial period (1st century BC – 3rd century AD). The Roman forum comprises a rectangular paved area surrounded by porticoes; a caesareum, the Curia and a bathhouse have already been excavated, and a small temple, a monumental fountain and a court are also visible. The Roman theatre (1st and 2nd centuries AD), with a capacity of around 3,000 people, stands on a hill, on which a 2nd-century AD amphitheatre – the only one of its kind in Calabria – three bath complexes, a necropolis and an aqueduct have also been identified.

Continuing along the road that runs along the Ionian Sea in the direction of Crotone, and passing through beautiful tourist resorts such as Sellia Marina and Botricello, you reach Le Castella di Isola Capo Rizzuto, where the marine protected area of the same name is also located. What makes it unique is its location: built on an islet in 204 BC, when the military leader Hannibal stayed there – later inhabited by Arabs and Aragonese – it is connected to the coast by a narrow strip of land. In ancient times, Le Castella was not the only castle in the area, and the plural form of the name indicates that there was more than one fortification.

Ten kilometres south of Crotone, on the headland overlooking the Ionian coast at Capo Colonna, which the ancient Greeks called Heraion Lakinion, lies the Capo Colonna Archaeological Park, which covers an area of 30 hectares. The Lakinion Akron area, one of the most famous sacred sites in the whole of Magna Graecia, centred on the Sanctuary of Hera Lacinia. The temple itself had the classic form of a Greek temple: an imposing complex of 48 Doric columns over 8 metres high, each consisting of 8 fluted drums. The roof was made of marble slabs and Parian marble tiles.

The 'Riviera di Nausicaa' refers to one of the most evocative stretches of the Calabrian coast, the section of the Ionian Sea bounded to the south by Punta Stilo and to the north by Capo Rizzuto, which preserves the vestiges of the flourishing civilisation of Magna Graecia and is now a popular tourist area with beautiful seaside resorts and ancient villages perched on the hillsides.

Squillace is divided into various districts, the most important of which is the historic centre, home to numerous monuments and churches, such as the Cathedral dedicated to the Assumption, the Town Hall and the Norman Castle: an imposing building whose skilful restoration has also made Piazza Castello a place from which to enjoy a wonderful view. Then there is Squillace Nuova, a recently built district, and Squillace Lido, as well as other smaller districts with a rural character. The town boasts special recognition from the Ministry of Economic Development: indeed, its ceramics bear the DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) mark.

Situated in the centre of the Gulf of Squillace, along the beautiful Costa degli Aranci or Costa dei Saraceni, the area is characterised by lush hills and white granite headlands that slope down towards the sea, forming beaches of fine sand interspersed with cliffs riddled with caves: the most famous is the Grotta di San Gregorio. A popular holiday destination, it is home to numerous archaeological remains from the late Roman period, such as the ruins of the small tri-apsidal chapel of San Martino, the only early Christian monument in Calabria.

Located in the heart of the Costa degli Aranci, near Catanzaro and Soverato, this town is a well-known seaside resort and tourist destination. Its beach and its unique cliffs, steeped in historical tradition, provide a stunning backdrop.

Located in the southern part of the Gulf of Squillace, Soverato is known as the 'pearl of the Ionian Sea' due to its beauty. Its seafront promenade is renowned, and due to the abundant presence of seahorses, the ‘Baia di Soverato’ marine park was established in 2009. In addition to a modern municipal theatre, Soverato also boasts a Mediterranean aquarium and a spectacular botanical garden.

A medieval village perched on a hill a few kilometres from the Ionian coast, with the Pre-Serre Calabre mountain range rising behind it. Its origins can be traced back to Robert Guiscard (1080), who had a fortified castle built here. The hamlet of Badolato Marina receives large numbers of visitors.

An area rich in traditions and a diverse landscape encompassing the sea, mountains and hilly areas. A popular holiday destination with beautiful, crystal-clear waters and unspoilt beaches, the town also boasts a wealth of monuments and churches worth visiting, such as the Chiesa Matrice dei Santi Apostoli Pietro e Paolo (Mother Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul) and the Cappella di Palazzo Scoppa (Chapel of Palazzo Scoppa).