In the deep south of the Italian peninsula, where the land is hilly and the beaches are pretty, a region, despite being unknown to many, has nevertheless been home to plenty.
From Pythagoras, Herodotus and Milo of Croton, to Charles Atlas, Umberto Boccioni and Versace, it is a land where the concept of intellectual property was born and where the first European law code, the Locrian code, was devised by Zaleucus.
It is a territory rich in vineyards, and was known as Enotria, or Land of Wine, to the ancient Greeks – archaeologists have found evidence of vinoducts bringing wine directly to peoples’ houses in the ancient Greek colony of Sybaris – and legend has that its wine is still made in the same way it was made back in the day of Milo of Croton, or 2,500 years ago.
This region, which back in ancient times was the first part of the Italian peninsula to be known as Italy, is what we now call Calabria.
And it is Italy’s best kept secret.
It’s the southernmost region of the Italian mainland, and is a region blessed with a diverse and stunning landscape, the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas frame its coasts and the rugged peaks of the Aspromonte and Sila mountain ranges within, Calabria is a paradise for nature lovers.
Calabria is a journey through time.
The region’s history has been shaped by the ancient Greeks, Romans, the Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Lombards, the Saracens, Normans, Germans, the French and the Spanish. All of whom have left their mark.
The locals, proud of their cultural heritage, continue to celebrate traditions that have been passed down through generations. The rhythmic beats of the tarantella, a traditional folk dance, resonate through festivals like the Tarantella Festival in Locri and Tarantella Power, bringing communities together in a joyous celebration of their roots.
Calabria’s culinary delights tell of its rich history and is a testament to the region’s agrarian bounty and coastal abundance. The Mediterranean diet takes centre stage, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The air is infused with the irresistible aroma of Calabrian chili peppers, Tropean red onions and citrus fruits, and no visit is complete without having savoured, among many other things, ‘nduja, a spicy spreadable pork sausage, or the Tartufo of Pizzo, a delightful concoction of chocolate and hazelnut gelato, and of course the many wines of the region.
The ancient Greek ruins of Locri Epizephyrii
The medieval charm of Gerace
The imposing Hohenstaufen Castle of Rocca Imperiale
The Aragonese Castle in Reggio Calabria
The Byzantine Cattolica di Stilo
Tropean Onions
Italy with Amore 