Squillace: Norman Heritage and Ceramic Culture in Calabria

Squillace brings together history, sacred architecture and local craft traditions. The historical perspective begins at the Norman Castle: it stands at the highest point of the hill and was built by the Normans in the second half of the 11th century. Its position at the highest point of the hill shapes the historical connection between the Norman Castle and the town.

Churches and Sacred Art

The Concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta was built in the 11th century at the request of Count Roger I and was elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 2015. In 2015, the elevation to minor basilica was added to the building history of the cathedral. The Chiesa di San Pietro Apostolo is also known as the Chiesa del Carmine and became the parish church after the 1783 earthquake. The Santuario Madonna del Ponte provides another historical reference, having been built in 1724. The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà was built in the 13th century and is an example of Gothic architecture in Calabria.

Those wishing to explore sacred art in greater depth can visit the Squillace location of the Museo Diocesano d'Arte Sacra di Catanzaro-Squillace; visits are possible by prior reservation. When planning a visit, making a prior reservation is a fixed step in the visit planning process. The Ponte del Diavolo is another part of the town's historical heritage. It has a large opening associated with the legend of the devil and is said to have withstood winter floods for many centuries.

Ceramics as a Living Tradition

Squillace is also shaped by its ceramic tradition. The Ceramiche Artistiche e Tradizionali di Squillace workshop continues a family craft tradition; traditional objects and practical household items are still made there using old techniques. Squillace's ceramic tradition uses a Byzantine-influenced technique involving slip and sgraffito decoration, characterized by a warm dark red hue. The workshop connects the ceramic tradition with craftsmanship and the local history of Squillace. This provides you with a cultural experience that combines historical forms with local handicraft.

Nature and Beaches in the Surrounding Area

In Squillace Lido, the Cammino di Cassiodoro passes through the protected Oasi di Scolacium, an unspoiled pine forest a short distance from the sea. The route therefore represents a connection between experiencing nature and the landscape. The beaches of Spiaggia di Squillace Lido, Spiaggia Caminia, Spiaggia di Montepaone and Spiaggia di Villaggio le Roccelle are also located around Squillace.

Other Places Around Squillace

The Castello di Squillace is located in the immediate vicinity of Squillace. The Palazzo baronale Zolea, the Parco Archeologico di Scolacium archaeological park and the Museo Archeologico Tolone Azzariti are also in the surrounding area. These places broaden the cultural context around Squillace to include historical, archaeological and museum-related themes.

More destinations for your travel planning: Sellia Marina, San Pietro Apostolo, Santa Caterina Dello Ionio, Platania, Decollatura, Gimigliano, Catanzaro, Curinga.

Back to the main travel overview: Catanzaro.