Cassano Allo Ionio between culture, thermal baths and coast

Cassano Allo Ionio combines sacred architecture, ancient history, cave landscapes, thermal springs and coastal towns. The cathedral, the Parco Archeologico di Sibari and the Terme Sibarite represent three special ways of exploring the area. Along the coast, several beaches, resort districts and tourist centres alternate with one another. This allows you to combine culture, nature, festival traditions and a stage of the Cammino Basiliano on your individual trip to Italy.

Sacred architecture and historic sites

The cathedral of Cassano all'Jonio, dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Francis in November 2014. The elegant façade of the Basilica Minore Diocesi di Cassano all'Jonio was built in 1795 under Bishop Coppola in a restrained Baroque style. The Torre Campanaria was built in 1608 and comprises four storeys; a belfry is located at its top.

The Museo Diocesano displays panel paintings, statues and large-format works, predominantly by southern Italian artists. The Torre di Milone is the surviving fragment of what were probably the ring walls of a medieval castle built by the Normans on older foundations. It is easy to see from the road through the park of the same name.

Sibari and the evidence of antiquity

The Parco Archeologico di Sibari is a multi-layered archaeological site encompassing more than ten centuries of history. Monumental buildings of Copiae are visible in the park: the semicircular theatre, the thermal baths, residential buildings, the northern gate and the final section of the city wall.

The Museo Archeologico Nazionale della Sibaritide preserves and interprets archaeological finds from the local site and the wider Sibaritide area. Its exhibits trace the social, economic and cultural development of the region. On display are finds from indigenous communities dating from before Greek colonisation, as well as evidence from the later Greek and Roman periods.

Palaces, theatre and local insights

Palazzo Viafora retains its original structure, with a restrained Baroque façade, pilasters and Corinthian capitals. The palazzo also has an Art Nouveau garden with a monumental stone fountain, as well as a terrace overlooking the Sibari plain. The Casa Museo Palazzo Viafora has been associated with the palazzo since 18 December 2011 and contains 19th-century furniture, historic books and newspapers, trousseau items and contemporary household objects.

The Teatro Comunale was built in 1921, restored to its original theatrical function after renovation and reopened in 2007 with its first theatre season. It has a total of 184 seats: 114 in the stalls and 70 in the boxes.

Caves, coast and thermal springs

The Grotte di Sant'Angelo are a karst cave complex of speleological and tourist interest, located directly beside the built-up area of Cassano all'Ionio. The Grotta della Vucc’Ucciardo is a natural cave inside the Grande Pietra del Castello. It has been prepared for public use, and cultural and tourist events take place there throughout the year.

The Terme Sibarite have five main springs that emerge alongside one another over a length of approximately 500 metres. Their waters are classified as hypothermal, sulphurous and moderately mineralised, and have a constant temperature of 25°C. The complex includes an open-air auditorium, recreational facilities and a park.

Festival traditions and hiking route

The main festival at the Santuario della Madonna della Catena takes place on the second Sunday in May. During the procession, men and women carry the image of the Madonna on their shoulders. During the festival, participants prepare Vussiniddi, spherical fried crespelle made from flour, yeast, salt and water.

Stage 08 of the Cammino Basiliano ends at the Palazzo di Città in Cassano allo Ionio. From Salerno, the route to the Parco Archeologico di Sibari follows the A3 SA-RC motorway, the Sibari exit and the SS 534 towards Contrada Casone and Laghi di Sibari in Cassano All'Ionio. From the Ionian side, the park can be reached via the Battipaglia–Reggio Calabria railway line.

Other destinations

Firmo, San Giovanni In Fiore, Lattarico, Villapiana Lido, Solfara Mare, San Nicola Arcella, Crosia, Acri

To the higher-level travel overview: Cosenza.