Calabria - Amordivino

Calabria

Population: 2.070.992
Surface (Kmq): 15080
Density (Inhabitants/Kmq.): 137
Main city: Catanzaro (CZ)
Other towns: Cosenza (CS); Crotone (KR); Reggio Calabria (RC), Vibo Valentia (VV).

Calabria is the extreme SW region of mainland Italy, washed by the Tyrrhenian and lonian Seas. It is a mountainous region, with a high central Apennine ridge crossing it north to south. The coastlines present landscapes of wild beauty. Calabria is a place for two types of people: Calabrians and adventurers. It is bewildering, even frightening to all others, but richly rewarding for those who want to go beyond the common stereotypes of Italy.
In Calabria there are: unforgettable vistas across rugged mountains, vast golden wheat fields and crystal clear seas; age-old olive trees that grow as tall as eucalyptus; ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Norman ruins, forgotten by time, which suddenly loom over the horizon; shy but hospitable villagers who still wear voluminous black skirts or colourful traditional costumes; delicious fish, vegetables, cheese, sausage, salami, wild mushrooms and figs.

Catanzaro's provincial museum houses outstanding relics from the Neolithic period to the Greek-Roman Age, and a remarkable collection of coins.

In Reggio Calabria, the National Museum holds one of the most important archaeologic collections in Italy: Paleolithic, Byzantine and Arab art, relics of the Bronze and Iron Ages, tomb outfits, pictorial tables and the world famous Bronzes of Riace, the two great bronze statues of warriors of the fifth century B.C.

In Cosenza, one can visit the Museo Interdiocesano, with the treasures of the Cathedral, and the civic museum with prehistoric bronzes, Paleolithic manufactured goods and instruments.

Tourists can make excursions to the Sila district and its lakes, or visit Villa San Giovanni (on the straits of Messina), Sibari, Crotone and the isle of Capo Rizzuto.