Medieval itinerary exploring the castles of Calabria

Medieval Calabria and its castles are truly a fascinating world. Let’s take a tour between history and legend, from the ancient origins to Gioacchino Murat, while not forgetting about Charles V and the system of defensive towers.

 

From the Castello Svevo in Cosenza to the Tower of the Ducal Castle in Corigliano

Our tour of Calabria’s castles starts in the province of Cosenza with the Castello Svevo which dominates the panorama of the City of Bruzi from a hilltop.

After visiting the marvelous renovated rooms, you can continue along the Tyrrhenian coast, among ruins and ancient watch towers and discover part of the defensive system created by Charles V. We then reach the Castle of Belvedere Marittimo Castle -  also known as "Castello del Principe” -  which makes reference to Ruggiero the Norman.

If you cut across the region - “coast to coast" - from the Pollino National Park to the Ionian coast, you must definitely make pit-stops at: the Castle of Castrovillari which has late medieval origins but was renovated by Ferdinand of Aragon; the Castle of Corigliano with its spiral staircase that climbs all the way to the top of the tower;  and finally to the Castle of Roseto Capo Spulico with its imposing tower.

Medieval Calabria, from the Norman Castle of Vibo to the majestic Santa Severina

The Costa degli Dei is dominated by the Norman Castle of Vibo Valentia and the Castle of Pizzo which is a fortress linked to the shooting of Gioacchino Murat.

The historical re-enactment of this event is held every year in October. On Crotone’s coast we find not only the Castle of Crotone - or better yet Charles V’s Castle - but also the beautiful Castle of Santa Severina; the Castle of Caccuri with its watchtower and the suggestive fortress of Le Castella, which lies directly on the sea.

The Ionian coast of Catanzaro provides a real territorial treat in Cassiodoro: the Castle of Squillace in fact, guards the homonymous gulf and the ancient possessions of the cassiodorei.

The castles of Greek Calabria

Greek Calabria and the province of Reggio do not disappoint as far as castles are concerned: we can start from the Aragonese Castle in Reggio Calabria. The tour continues along the coast - with a visit to the panoramic Castle of Scilla which is property of the Ruffo di Calabria. The visit extends up to Santo Niceto and reaches the Ionian coast bypassing picturesque villages that overlook the sea, where you can admire the ruins of the Gerace Castle, the Stilo Castle,  and the Castle of Roccella.

The castles of Calabria proposed in this tour are located in postcard locations and many are home to important museums,  which are often archaeological and are definitely worth visiting.

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