The Five Wonderful Villages of Calabria

An itinerary of beauty and charm through the ancient Calabrian villages that will let you experience the traditions, cuisine, and landscapes of this magical region.

• Rocca Imperiale
• Morano Calabro
• Tropea
• Badolato
• Caccuri

Rocca Imperiale: the Calabrian village with the Castle

In 1296, the place was known as Castrum Carcari, a name referring to lime kilns. This name may indicate a pre-existing Roman military post, as suggested by tombs found in the Cesine area. Later, the place became known as Rocca Imperiale, in homage to Frederick II of Swabia, who built the castle here. Rocca Imperiale is called the gateway to Calabria from the Ionian Sea side. It is a town of cinema and poetry, also known as the town of lemons. The first settlements date back to the 8th century, but the town developed mainly after the construction of the Swabian castle by Frederick II in 1225.

The village was born beneath the majestic castle, with its terraced houses. The castle was expanded by the Aragonese in 1487 with the addition of crenellated towers and walls, and in the 1700s the Crivelli Dukes further enlarged it with the addition of the 18th-century palace. Starting at the foot of the castle, the evocative alleys lead to the first churches: San Giovanni Battista (1400s) and SS Rosario (1600s).

Continuing, one reaches the Mother Church, built in 1239 by order of Frederick II, the Church of Carmine (1600s), and the Church of Sant’Antonio da Padova (1500s). In the Cesine district lies the Sanctuary of Madonna della Nova, patron saint of Rocca Imperiale. On the last Sunday of Carnival, the town celebrates with a masked parade and the sagra delle maiatiche, fritters with dried peppers. Local cuisine includes frizzul ca’ millic, laganelli e ceci, roasted kid and pork, fried peppers and eggplants, muffit, and lemon cake. In August, two events take place: on the 19th, the art exhibition From Sunset to Sunrise; and in the last week of the month, Il Federiciano, an artistic festival and poetry competition.

Morano Calabro: a marvelous perched village

The toponym Muranum first appears on a milestone from the 2nd century BC. The Roman origin of this station on the Regio-Capuam road is clear, but the etymology is uncertain. Some believe the name derives from mulberry trees (mori) abundant in the area, others from the Greek word méruma, meaning “heap,” because the buildings seem piled on top of each other. In 1863, the epithet Calabro was added to distinguish it from Morano sul Po.

The milestone found in Polla, bearing the name Muranum, dates back to 132 BC. The area was probably inhabited as early as 300 BC. In 1076, the people of Morano defeated a horde of Saracens, and the head of their leader was paraded triumphantly through the village streets. Between 1100 and 1200, during the Norman-Swabian era, the original nucleus of the castle arose.

Clinging to the hill, with houses pressed tightly together, the village overlooks the Calabrian side of Mount Pollino, which, at 2248 meters, is an unavoidable, beloved presence and a point of departure and return for all Morano’s inhabitants.

The beauty of Morano lies in the delicate combination of art and natural wonders: the stone of arches, towers, buttresses, and houses blends with the majesty of the surrounding mountains, creating a truly unique setting. The dense, intricate urban fabric makes Morano one of the most evocative historic centers in Calabria. The overall view resembles a nativity scene, with humble houses descending downward, red-tiled roofs, and a maze of alleys climbing toward the castle.

The discovery of Morano can begin with the Church of San Bernardino da Siena, a jewel of 15th-century monastic architecture in late Gothic style. The façade is dominated by a beautiful ogival portal in yellow stone, while the interior is mystical and austere, typical of Franciscan spaces. The adjoining convent was founded in 1452. Noteworthy are the wooden ceiling shaped like a ship’s hull, unique in Calabria, and the Polyptych by Bartolomeo Vivarini, painted in Murano in 1477, which shines on the altar in a blaze of gold.

Climbing through the Lauri district, once home to Byzantine monks, one reaches the Collegiate Church of San Nicola, consisting of two structures: the upper from the 15th century and the lower from an earlier period. From the San Nicola district, through arches, underpasses, alleys, and squares offering stunning views, one reaches the Norman-origin castle, expanded between 1515 and 1546 by Neapolitan architects for Prince Sanseverino, who made it his residence.

Tropea: the enchanting village on Calabria’s coast

Tropea, once known as Portercole, is a city rich in history and culture. Founded by Hercules in honor of his nurse, the city has seen its share of struggles and triumphs. From the earliest human traces dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages, to its rebirth as a Byzantine stronghold after periods of Arab rule, Tropea has always maintained its autonomy and freedom.

The city is renowned for its extraordinary blend of history, environment, tradition, and intangible heritage. The historic center of Tropea juts out over the Tyrrhenian Sea like a precious treasure chest of history, myth, and legend. Noble palaces, churches, and convents offer visitors a unique variety within just seven hectares.

Tropea’s heritage includes the Co-Cathedral, founded by the Normans in 1163, which houses the Icon of the Madonna of Romania, the tomb of philosopher Pasquale Galluppi, and the tomb of Blessed Francesco Mottola. The Church of Jesus, with its precious marble altars and 18th-century paintings, is another jewel of the city.

The “Raf Vallone” Belvedere offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Mediterranean, overlooking the Gulf of Sant’Eufemia, the Aeolian Islands, and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola. The latter, an ancient hermitage founded by Orthodox monks and later a Benedictine sanctuary, is a symbol of Tropea and Calabria worldwide.

In short, Tropea is a city that celebrates its history and culture, keeping its unique identity alive in the heart of the Mediterranean and Calabria. With its millennial heritage and incomparable human resources, Tropea is a place that invites visitors to return, offering an unrepeatable experience of history and beauty.

Badolato

Badolato, first mentioned in 1114, has a rich and complex history. Its name may derive from the Latin words vadum and latum, meaning “wide ford,” likely referring to its geographical position near the Vodà River.

The town was founded around 1080 by Robert Guiscard and over the centuries changed hands several times, passing from the Normans to the Angevins, to the Ruffo family, and finally to the Ravaschieri, who retained it until the abolition of feudalism.

Badolato is a place of peace and tranquility in Calabria, with a slow Mediterranean rhythm of life. Although abandoned in the past, the town has shown remarkable resilience and rebirth. Today, its historic center is an example of widespread and sustainable hospitality, with a multicultural community and a variety of restaurants, activities, and tourist services.

The town is rich in historical monuments, including the Franciscan Church and Convent of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the ancient bastion with a viewpoint over the Vodà valley, the Church of Santa Caterina V.M. of Alexandria, the Basilian Sanctuary of Madonna della Sanità, the Church of San Domenico, the Mother Church of the Most Holy Savior, the small popular Church of Providence, the ancient Bell Tower, and the “Carmelina Amato” Belvedere in Piazza Castello. The town also offers a Path of Popular Memory, an itinerary through stories, figures, and folk anecdotes.

Caccuri

Caccuri, first mentioned in 1114, may derive from the Greek name Kakouri or the Latin cacumina, meaning “summit.” This likely refers to its geographical position on a peak. The town has a rich history, with a maze of alleys and streets leading to the castle that dominates the settlement. Originally a Byzantine control structure, the castle became a symbol of the power of feudal lords who ruled the town, including the Ruffo family and the Cavalcanti dynasty.

The latter transformed the castle into an elegant patrician residence and carried out important architectural works, including the Palatine Chapel and the Mastrigli Tower. The town is also known for the Church of Santa Maria del Soccorso, part of an ancient Dominican convent, and for its gastronomy, including calzone with sardella and pitta 'mpigliata. The main events include the Patronal Feast of San Rocco and the Autumn Festival in the castle village.

Our journey to discover the magnificent region of Calabria ends here, but stay tuned to explore new itineraries of the peninsula admired all over the world!