In the footsteps of earlier inhabitants
Historic sites and stories of the Riviera dei Cedri
An aurochs carved into rock, the outline of streets in an ancient town, a tower beside the sea. On the Riviera dei Cedri, the distant past often appears alongside everyday holiday life. One small detail can make you want to hear the whole story.
Across the Cedromare guide
Citron and the past of Santa Maria del Cedro
Citron is part of the everyday history of Santa Maria del Cedro. Museo del Cedro shows how it is grown and processed, introducing the work behind local traditions. Afterwards, the taste of citron preserves brings to mind the people who make them, too.
At Laos in Marcellina, the layout of the settlement itself tells you about its former inhabitants. The outlines of houses, doorways and streets help you imagine an ordinary day in the ancient town. Visits must be arranged with the site’s custodian.
The ruins of San Michele are a trace of medieval Abatemarco. The remains of the castle and church stand on a rocky hill, their setting recalling an earlier side of what is now a seaside town.
Stories told by finds and museums
At Grotta del Romito, the image of an aurochs carved into the rock holds your attention. Tools and burials found by the cave offer a glimpse of its prehistoric inhabitants’ lives. This story is far older than the nearby towns; visiting times are provided by the municipality of Papasidero.
In Tortora, the collections of Museo Archeologico di Blanda “Gioacchino Francesco La Torre” tell the area’s history through surviving objects. The museum is in Palazzo Casapesenna. The Blanda archaeological site is elsewhere and requires a separate visit.
Food is another way to get to know a culture. Museo Arti Gusto Buonvicino and Museo del Peperoncino in Maierà tell stories of food and local traditions. They make a pleasant addition to a day of archaeology; arrange museum visits in advance.
The architecture of seaside towns
Torre Talao beside the sea in Scalea recalls the coast’s former defences. Torre Cimalonga and Palazzo dei Principi Spinelli stand in the old centre. These buildings remain part of the town where everyday life continues around them.
At Cirella Vecchia and Monastero dei Minimi, you can see old walls above the sea. In Aieta, the Renaissance façade of Palazzo Martirano-Spinelli catches the eye; in Belvedere Marittimo, it is the castle and Chiesa del SS. Crocifisso.
Santuario di San Francesco di Paola offers an insight into Calabria’s religious history. Set aside an unhurried part of your day to visit the complex. Our guide to local towns describes specific places to walk in Paola and the other towns.
Places on the map
Check where the places described are located and choose your next outing.
Where to now?
It is worth allowing a few days to explore these stories. Take a look at the Cedromare holiday home in Santa Maria del Cedro, where you can alternate sightseeing with time by the sea.