The historical centre of Tropea is characterised by its narrow streets and shops: narrow streets lined with flowers, noble palaces, including the unmissable Palazzo Toraldo, the Sedile dei Nobili and Palazzo Santa Chiara (now the Museo del Mare); splendid courtyards, The Cathedral of Maria Santissima di Romania (12th century), an extraordinary example of Norman Architecture. Inside is housed the icon of The Patron Saint of Tropea, the Virgin of Romania, a work by a pupil of Giotto dating from around 1230 and of oriental origin. Of particular interest is the majestic Black Crucifix of French origin, dated around 1600.

Walking all the way along the Corso, one arrives at the ‘Balconata’, a suggestive overhang overlooking the sea with a breathtaking view; on one side the Isola Bella, below the Mare Piccolo beach of white sand bathed by a clear turquoise sea and on the horizon the Aeolian Islands.

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola is located on a small island overlooking the sea and is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Tropea. It is reached by a flight of 190 steps, carved directly into the rock, and the sanctuary is Tropea’s belvedere and an iconic image of Calabria. It houses the statue of the Madonna of Romania, the town’s patron saint, and is a place of pilgrimage for many believers. Of uncertain origin, it is thought that between the 7th and 8th centuries, the sanctuary was inhabited by hermits who dedicated themselves to a contemplative and ascetic life; the first certain notes date back to the 9th century regarding the occupation of the island by a community of Basilian monks first and Benedictine monks later, who made it a place of dwelling and worship.