Lamezia Terme

Bronze statue of the famous king, Frederick II (Federico II) "stupor mundi", known for his charming personality, his support of the arts, and his willingness to make different cultures coexist. The statue was crafted by the artist Maurizio Carnevali and donated to the city.

For centuries, the Statti family has lived on the same vine-growing land and has fostered a deep, historic understanding of the vineyards in the heart of Calabria. Immerse yourself in their legacy by booking a private vineyard tour, walking around the lovely estate, and indulging in the pleasures of olive oil and wine tasting.

This majestic watchtower was built in 1550 to serve the Knights of Malta and is considered to be the symbol of Lamezia Terme. There are several tower ruins in the area but this is one of the most impressive and well-preserved.

Pollino National Park, a sanctuary spanning the southern Italian regions of Calabria and Basilicata, cradles a realm of rugged beauty. Amongst its mountainous embrace, meandering trails and rivers, including the mesmerising Raganello River with its dramatic gorges, unfold beneath a canopy of pine trees. Here, the elusive Bosnian Pine thrives exclusively, a testament to the park's uniqueness. Amidst these wonders, nature's grandeur intertwines with archaeological marvels, crafting a haven of unparalleled allure.

Tropea is a small town located on the east coast of Calabria, 64 km from Lamezia. It’s known for its white beaches which run right up to Capo Vaticano, its clifftop historic centre, and prized red onions. The town itself is quite picturesque and romantic with winding streets and beautiful small piazzas. Noteworthy is the 12th-century Tropea Cathedral, which was built in distinctive yellow lava rock by the Normans during the 12th century and houses an interesting black crucifix, two unexploded World War II bombs, and a painting of the dark-skinned Madonna of Romania. Due to a number of wonders, the citizens of Tropea have proclaimed the Virgin Mary of Romania the patron of the village.

Serra San Bruno is a village located 70 km from Lamezia, on a little hill. It was named after the founder of the Carthusian Order and, in fact, features a famous monastery; unfortunately, though, the site is out of bounds to tourists because of the Chartusian monks' vow of enclosure, but you can still visit the museum and enjoy the peculiar nature around this area.

This museum proudly showcases one of Calabria's most significant diocesan collections, spanning from the 15th to the 20th century. Its remarkable array of artworks and artefacts, crafted by local artisans, offers insights into the region's artistic heritage. Among the highlights are the paintings by Francesco Colelli, capturing the essence of a transformative era from 1762 to 1782.

Stilo, located 107 km from Lamezia, is included in the official list of the most beautiful Italian villages, being extremely rich in ruins from different ages. When here, make sure to visit the Byzantine-style church called "Cattolica", since it is considered to be one of Calabria’s masterpieces.

Monasterace Marina is a seaside village, located around 90 km from Lamezia Terme. It used to be known as "Kaulon", a colony of Magna Graecia. It's worth visiting, especially for the remains of the Greek settlement, including a temple and some Hellenic houses, as well as for the archaeological museum.

Reggio Calabria is a coastal city located on the very edge, on the toe of the so-called "Italian boot" and in the southern area of Calabria. This is the largest and oldest city in the area and here you'll find beautiful beaches and lots of different attractions, such as museums, theatres, and a lovely botanical garden.

In the middle between the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the narrowest part of the country, you find Catanzaro whose main attraction is the Viaduct Morandi-Bisantis, one of Europe’s tallest one-arch bridges.