Discover Catanzaro: Art, History and Coast

Catanzaro lies at Italy’s narrowest point between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts. The city also includes Catanzaro Lido, which stretches along the Ionian coast in the Gulf of Squillace. Its seafront promenade is home to numerous bathing establishments, hotels and restaurants. Catanzaro therefore combines historical and cultural impressions with a clear connection to Calabria’s coastal landscape.

Art and history in the city

An important cultural venue is MARCA. The museum houses around 120 paintings and sculptures, a permanent Rotella collection and spaces for temporary exhibitions. MARCA encompasses various artistic movements, from ancient to contemporary art. The Museo del Rock focuses on something completely different: it is dedicated to the golden age of rock ’n’ roll in the 1950s and 1960s and houses more than 10,000 original records, contemporary posters, historic magazines and rare memorabilia. It also offers guided listening sessions featuring original records.

The religious buildings also tell the story of Catanzaro’s long development. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta was built in the 12th century and restored several times. Inside is a 16th-century Madonna and Child by Antonello Gagini of Messina. The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was built in 1254 in the heart of Catanzaro. The monumental San Giovanni complex was created between the 15th and 17th centuries on the remains of the old Norman castle. The Norman Tower is the surviving part of this old Norman castle.

San Giovanni combines historic substance with museum use. The complex has a large exhibition area spread over two floors. Since 2017, it has been possible to visit the castle’s ancient dungeons in the San Giovanni complex. Teatro Politeama offers a contemporary approach to theatre culture; designed by Paolo Portoghesi, it presents itself as a contemporary reinterpretation of the theatrical tradition. Its varied programme includes opera, dance, drama and symphonic concerts.

Parks and panoramic views

The Parco della Biodiversità Mediterranea represents a transition between the city’s history and its landscape. The park covers 60 hectares and combines biodiversity with cultural, scientific, sporting and recreational uses. Nature trails, educational areas and observation areas allow visitors to experience the park’s different facets. The Parco Internazionale della Scultura, an open-air gallery for contemporary art, is also located within the Parco della Biodiversità Mediterranea.

Another green landmark is Villa Trieste, surrounded by gardens with rare plants and statues of prominent figures from Calabria. The Belvedere of Catanzaro offers views over the Fiumarella Valley and the Gulf of Squillace. Those who want to include both art and architecture and open landscapes in their travel plans will therefore find several clearly distinct themes within the same destination in Catanzaro.

Local character and memory

The culinary side includes U Murzeddhu, a slowly cooked tripe dish with a spicy sauce. Malvasia di Catanzaro is a local wine product associated with Catanzaro. History is also brought to life at MUSMI – Museo Storico Militare Brigata Catanzaro: the museum presents more than two centuries of military history, from the Napoleonic era to the Second World War. Documentary material from Archivio Luce runs continuously on screens throughout the museum.

Casa della Memoria is located in Catanzaro’s historic Jewish quarter and is at once a birthplace, museum and venue for contemporary art. Together with the churches, Teatro Politeama, the museums, the parkland and the view towards the Gulf of Squillace, this creates a destination that is particularly interesting for independently planned cultural and discovery days. When choosing a hotel in Catanzaro, you can therefore set the focus of your trip between urban history, art, coast, landscape and local cuisine.

Further places for orientation: San Pietro a Maida, Copanello, Girifalco, Badolato Marina, Soverato Marina, Sorbo San Basile, Simeri, Montauro, Lamezia Terme, Montepaone, Guardavalle, Cropani, Sellia Marina, Acconia, Squillace, Gizzeria, Falerna, San Pietro Apostolo, San Sostene, Botricello, Gasperina, Catanzaro, Zagarise, Gizzeria Lido, Cropani Marina, La Petrizia, Sant'andrea Apostolo Dello Ionio, Caraffa Di Catanzaro, Maida, Torre Di Ruggiero, Chiaravalle Centrale, Taverna, Roccelletta, Soveria Mannelli, Marina Di Davoli, Borgia, Gimigliano, Petrizzi, Santa Caterina Dello Ionio, Falerna Marina, Martirano, San Floro, Satriano, Amaroni, Davoli, Carlopoli, Pianopoli, Marcellinara, Soveria Simeri, Castagna, Martirano Lombardo, Decollatura, Simeri Mare, Platania, Isca Sullo Ionio, Curinga, Badolato, Cortale, Gagliato, Motta Santa Lucia, Petronà, Guardavalle Marina, Santa Eufemia Lamezia, Stalettì, Andali, Tiriolo

For the higher-level travel overview: Calabria.