Among the main cultural attractions is the Cathedral of Catanzaro, rebuilt after the bombings of 1943. The exterior is distinguished by its imposing architecture, while the interior houses works of great historical value, such as the bust of Saint Vitalian, a painting of the Holy Family and an altarpiece by Di Tommaso di Squillace.
A short distance away, in the Baptistery, you can admire several works by the famous painter Mattia Preti.
Another unmissable stop is the Basilica dell’Immacolata, with its neoclassical façade and tall bell tower. Inside, splendid frescoes depict the Coronation of Mary and the Madonna worshipped by the Saints.
Don’t miss the Church of SS. Rosario, dating back to the 15th century, which houses precious sculptures such as the Redeemer and the Madonna and Child, both from the late 15th century.
Finally, for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, we recommend a walk to the Belvedere di Corso Mazzini: from here, the view opens up onto the Fiumarella valley and the Gulf of Squillace, offering an unforgettable glimpse.
What to visit during your holiday in Calabria
The main areas of the city can be identified in the park: The Forum The main square and site of the most important monuments, it includes the remains of the square, the Capitolium (the most important religious monument), the decumanus maximus (the most important street), the Basilica (a building used for legal and administrative purposes), the Curia and the Caesareum (a building used for imperial worship). The Statues The numerous statues represent the most prominent figures in city life: in the forum there are figures wearing togas, while the theatre features a portrait of Emperor Vespasian. The Roman Theatre The steps, the choir area and the stands reserved for important figures are clearly visible. La Roccelletta The Basilica of S. Maria della Roccella is one of the most significant medieval monuments in Calabria.
The seafront, which stretches for about 2 km, is home to numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs where you can enjoy a pleasant stay with friends or family. From our 4-star hotel, you can reach: L'Ancora: the monument to those lost at sea located on the seafront, it is a 10-metre concrete structure that serves as the base for a bronze anchor approximately 6 metres high. The Torre Tonnina, approximately 30 metres high, illuminated every night The Parish Church of S. Maria di Porto Salvo, the main place of worship in the neighbourhood. A Gutta: a circular buoy used for mooring fishing boats, it was lost after a major storm in the 1970s. After being found, it was restored and placed on the seafront. Statue to the fallen of the Great War: located in Piazza Anita Garibaldi, it bears the names of those from Catanzaro who died in the Great War.
The Sila National Park offers scenery of extraordinary beauty in every season and numerous opportunities to actively experience nature. Activities available include hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, orienteering, birdwatching, downhill and cross-country skiing, as well as sailing and canoeing. The park is also a veritable treasure trove of biodiversity: within it, you can observe specimens of great scientific and naturalistic value, such as the Corsican pine, the silver fir, the wolf, the roe deer, the squirrel and the viper. A rich and unspoilt environment that fascinates nature lovers and scholars alike. The Sila region is divided into three main areas: the Sila Piccola, gentle and picturesque, rich in valleys, grasslands, beech woods, pine forests, streams, lakes and waterfalls; Sila Grande, the largest and best known, characterised by wide flat expanses, lakes and vast grasslands; and finally, Sila Greca, which stands out for its more rugged landscape, marked by valleys, gorges and waterfalls. Completing the mountain range is the south-western appendix of the Reventino-Mancuso group, which contributes to the morphological variety of the territory.
Catanzaro is a charming city, rich in history, picturesque views and some of the most beautiful beaches in Calabria. In addition to its crystal-clear sea, it offers an extraordinary religious heritage: a journey of faith that will take you on a discovery of 17 churches of different styles, guardians of precious works of art and centuries-old spiritual testimonies. When you stay at the Best Western Plus Hotel Perla del Porto, an elegant 4-star hotel in Catanzaro Lido, you will receive all the information you need to experience this cultural and spiritual journey with awareness and wonder. The churches you can visit include: Church of the Osservanza, St John, St Omobono, St Anne, St Angelo, Church of Monte, St Mary de Meridie, St Mary of the Star, The Cathedral, Church of the Rosary, Church of Magdalene, St Rocco, St Francis of Paola, Church of Carmine, Montecorvino, St Nicholas and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. A true journey into the historical and artistic soul of the city.
