Calabria is a land suspended between history and legend, where the past merges with the present in an interweaving of cultures, traditions and timeless tales. This region, located in the heart of the Mediterranean, has been a crossroads of civilisations, from the Ancient Italic peoples to the Greeks, from the Romans to the Normans, right up to the present day
Every corner of Calabria tells a story, every village holds a secret and every landscape evokes millenary myths. From Magna Graecia to medieval domination, to Byzantine and Aragonese Heritage, this land is one of the most fascinating in Italy for those seeking a trip that is also an immersion in history.
Magna Graecia in Calabria: The Origins of a Millenary Land
Calabria owes much of its identity to the legacy of Magna Graecia, when Greek colonies transformed the region into an important cultural and commercial centre of the Mediterranean.
Cities such as Crotone, Reggio Calabria, Locri and Sibari were among the most flourishing poles of Greek civilisation, famous for their architecture, philosophy and science. Crotone, in particular, is known for being home to the mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras, whose school influenced generations of thinkers.
Even today, the remains of Magna Graecia can be seen in archaeological sites of great historical value:
The Capo Colonna Archaeological Park, with its temple dedicated to Hera Lacinia, once a pilgrimage site.
The National Archaeological Museum in Reggio Calabria, guardian of the famous Riace Bronzes, absolute masterpieces of classical Greek sculpture.
Myths and Legends of Calabria: Between History and Mystery
Calabria is a land rich in myths and legends, passed down for centuries through folk tales and oral traditions. Among the most fascinating are:
Scylla and Charybdis: according to Greek mythology, the Strait of Messina was dominated by two sea monsters, Scylla and Charybdis, who terrorised sailors. Today, the village of Scilla, with its seaside district of Chianalea, is one of the most picturesque places in the region.
Pentedattilo, the ghost town: perched on a mountain resembling a hand with five fingers, this abandoned village is linked to the tragic story of the Alberti family, protagonists of a bloody massacre in the 17th century.
The Middle Ages in Calabria: Castles, Monasteries and Dominations
During the Middle Ages, Calabria was a land of conquests and battles, leaving a legacy of castles, abbeys and fortified villages.
The Castle of Santa Severina, an imposing Norman Fortress, is one of the best preserved examples in Italy.
The Castle of Caccuri, with its cylindrical tower, dominates the landscape, offering breathtaking views of the Neto Valley.
- From Aragonese Calabria to the Present Day
From the 15th Century onwards, Calabria was dominated by The Aragonese, who reinforced the coastal defences to counter the incursions of Ottoman pirates. Le Castella, with its fortress surrounded by the sea, is a symbol of this period.
In the centuries that followed, the region went through difficult periods, including earthquakes and foreign domination, until the unification of Italy. Today, Calabria is rediscovering itself as an authentic tourist destination, capable of offering travel experiences that combine history, culture and unspoilt nature.
A Journey into the Heart of Authentic Calabria
From Magna Graecia to the present day, Calabria is a land to explore with curious eyes and an open heart. Here, history is not just a memory of the past, but a living presence that can be felt in the villages, traditions and timeless landscapes.
Want to experience Calabria amid history and legend? Discover our itineraries on TheRealCalabria.com
