Cultural Itinerary

Visiting the Three Villages means taking a real journey through time to discover the historical and artistic heritage of these beautiful places.

The Santa Severina Stop.

Let’s start at Santa Severina: An Ancient Medieval Village located on a hillock three hundred metres above the sea, situated in the centre of the Province of Crotone halfway between the Ionian Sea and the Sila Mountains in the middle of a wonderful hilly landscape, with the Neto River running through its territory. The town coincides with the Historical Centre, whose ‘stones’ tell the thousand-year history of this community.

The most interesting place is undoubtedly Piazza del Campo, which by its name preserves its identity as a parade ground. The square divides the Norman Castle and the Municipal Villa from the Co-Cathedral of Sant’Anastasia, with its Baptistery, the oldest Byzantine Monument in the whole of Calabria, and the Diocesan Museum. The Square immediately conveys the charm of this ‘Medieval’ village, which, amid myths, legends and history, takes on a magical dimension. The southern side of the square is dominated by the majestic Norman Castle built in the early 11th century on the ruins of an earlier Byzantine Fortification. Over the centuries it was modified and enlarged and today it is magnificently preserved and considered One of The Most Beautiful and Complex Military Works in Calabria.

A visit to the Castle is a must. This imposing Norman Castle, with its massive towers, inner courtyards and frescoed rooms, offers an extraordinary panoramic view of the Neto Valley. The Castle also houses a Museum with archaeological finds and exhibitions that tell the story of the village and its inhabitants.

The Byzantine Baptistery is a unique structure in Calabria, one of the oldest and most significant Byzantine Buildings in the region, dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. Circular in shape with a central dome, it still retains traces of the original frescoes. It is a jewel of Byzantine Art and Architecture, a symbol of the ancient cultural link between Calabria and the East.

The Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art is located next to the Cathedral and houses a vast collection of sacred works of art, including paintings, sculptures, liturgical vestments and reliquaries, covering a time span from the Middle Ages to the Baroque Period. A visit that allows one to discover the artistic and cultural wealth of the religious community of Santa Severina.

Also in Piazza del Campo is The Diocesan Library of Santa Severina: housing 27,502 Volumes, 4 Incunabula, 300 Sixteenth Century, 250 Seventeenth Century, together with the Heritage of Archival Documents (the archives of the Santa Severina section possess documents from the Twelfth Century onwards), represent a must for in-depth study of the History of the Church, the History of the Local and Calabrian Territory.

The Caccuri Stop.

Caccuri is an enchanting Medieval Village located at the foot of the Sila Mountains, amidst green hills and lush forests, offering a natural spectacle of great beauty. Recognised as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in Italy’, Caccuri is an ideal destination for those who love history, culture and tranquillity.

Caccuri is a place that invites you to stroll as the present Municipality is built around the Historic Centre and its Castle.

The Medieval Village of Caccuri is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, stairways and alleys, with stone houses and small squares that are rich in centuries of history. Walking through the Historical Centre, one can discover interesting corners and picturesque views, along with buildings of historical interest such as ancient churches. The cobbled streets of Caccuri are an invitation to take a leisurely stroll, discovering interesting corners, stone houses with balconies covered with flowers which offer panoramic views of the Calabrian Countryside.

The Castle of Caccuri is the undisputed symbol of the village: an imposing Norman Castle, dominating the valley below. It was built in the 6th century A.D. by the Byzantines as a Military Fort to control their possessions in the Neto Valley. Over the centuries it has undergone numerous modifications, such as that by the Aragonese, who transformed it from a Military Fortress into a Baronial Residence. Today it is a splendid Stately Residence, preserving architectural elements from various eras. From the top of the Castle, one can admire a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, stretching as far as the Ionian Coast.

Caccuri is famous for its Cultural and Folklore Events, in particular the Caccuri Literary Prize, held every summer. During this event, the village comes alive with Literary Debates, Shows and Cultural Events celebrating Literature and The Arts. Now in its thirteenth year, The Prize attracts intellectuals, journalists and writers every year who animate the Italian Cultural Debate in this, one of the most picturesque villages in the South of Italy.

The walk through the Historic Centre passes through very special and fascinating places, including the Vico degli Artisti (Artists’ Lane), a street where dedications from famous people who came to Caccuri for The Prize are to be found; the Vicolo degli Innamorati(Lovers’ Lane); the Rione Judeca (Judeca district); and the former Jewish Synagogue.

The Castelsilano Stop.

Castelsilano is a charming village located in the Province of Crotone, about 900 metres above sea level. This small mountain village, rich in history and surrounded by unspoilt nature, offers an authentic experience for those seeking tranquillity, culture and the breathtaking landscapes of the Calabrian Countryside.

Like all mountain villages, the Historic Centre of the town is an interesting walk between charm and history. Walking through the Historic Centre, one cannot fail to pass by ‘Via dei Panari’. The ‘Panari’ are the traditional wicker baskets used in ancient times to transport food. Today, they have become a symbol of history and tradition in this alleyway of Castelsilano. Another mandatory stop is Via Mazza, from which one can see the Valley on the Neto, but which is also known for the presence of numerous murals: works created by local, national and international artists who have given colour to doors, windows and walls, implementing a true fusion of art and tradition. This has transformed Castelsilano into a town of art and colour, with a special feature being the Braille signs symbolising a culture accessible to all.