Santa Severina, known as the “Stone Ship,” is a place where time seems to have stopped, preserving the traces of a millennial history. This enchanting Calabrian village, suspended between the sky and the earth, stands on a tuff spur dominating the Neto Valley, offering breathtaking views. A place where culture, tradition, and spirituality blend into a unique and touching experience.
A journey through history and spirituality
The origins of Santa Severina date back to ancient Greece when it was known as Siberene. Later, it became an important Byzantine and Norman outpost, as evidenced by its historic monuments. The Norman Castle, with its majestic towers and frescoed courtyards, is a stronghold that tells centuries of battles, transformations, and dominations. Today, this imposing building is a museum housing archaeological finds and stories of a fascinating past.
Next to it, the Co-Cathedral of Sant’Anastasia and the Byzantine Baptistery transport visitors on an unparalleled spiritual journey. Dating back to the 7th–8th centuries, the baptistery is a rare example of Byzantine architecture in Calabria, with its central dome and frescoes narrating an ancient and deeply rooted faith. A walk through the village reveals the elegant Archbishop’s Palace and the Museum of Sacred Art, preserving treasures that tell the devotion and artistry of a community.
The magic of the “Stone Ship”
Santa Severina is nicknamed the “Stone Ship” for its shape, which from above resembles a ship stranded among the rocks. This evocative image is even more fascinating at dawn when the village emerges from the mist like a sailing vessel on a sea of clouds. Strolling through its narrow streets, crossing the historic Porta di Terra, and exploring the Grecìa district feels like stepping into a timeless dimension.
The journey continues to the Iudea district, an ancient Jewish quarter where the charm of a multicultural past still lingers. Every corner of the village, from welcoming squares to flowered balconies, tells stories of lives lived with intensity and love for the land.
A cultural heritage embracing the present
Santa Severina is not only about history but also a hub of contemporary culture. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MACSS) serves as a bridge between the past and the present, where the village’s ancient stones engage in dialogue with modern art pieces, offering inspiration and reflection.
Flavors that tell the territory
A trip to Santa Severina cannot miss tasting its gastronomic excellence. The aranciàru, a type of orange unique to Santa Severina, symbolizes quality and passion, while local dishes—such as legume soups and roasts—narrate the culinary tradition of a generous land. The authentic flavors of this village, along with the warmth of its people, remain in visitors’ hearts.
A village to live and feel
Santa Severina is more than a tourist destination. It’s an experience that touches the heart, a journey into the soul of authentic and profound Calabria. Every stone, panorama, and flavor tells a story, inviting us to slow down, listen, and empathetically live the inseparable bond between humans and their territory.
The “Stone Ship” is not just a village but a symbol of resilience and beauty, a place sailing through time to deliver its message of history and hope.
