Francavilla Marittima between Archaeology and Local History

Archaeology between Hills and Plain

Francavilla Marittima is best understood through the connection between ancient settlement history and historic sites. The Timpone della Motta and Macchiabate Archaeological Park lies on the first hillsides bordering the Sibari plain. The Archaeological Park is located at the foot of the Massiccio del Dolcedorme in the Pollino mountain range.

The bed of the Raganello River lies south of Timpone della Motta. The river crosses the plain and eventually flows into the Ionian Sea. The elevated position of the ancient settlement on Timpone della Motta provided a vantage point for controlling the area and the routes through it. Here, the landscape of the plain, the hills, and the history of an early settlement come together directly.

The oldest settlement traces on Timpone della Motta date back to the Middle Bronze Age. During the colonial period, a sanctuary with a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena stood on the summit of Timpone della Motta hill. The sanctuary of Timpone della Motta was one of the most important places of worship in the chora of Sybaris. Some scholars consider Timpone della Motta a possible location of ancient Lagaria.

Macchiabate and the Evidence of the Necropolis

The Carnevale stream separates the Macchiabate necropolis from the settlement. The Macchiabate necropolis is clearly visible from the settlement. This spatial relationship helps explain the two archaeological areas as parts of the same historic landscape, without conflating their different functions.

The burials in the Macchiabate necropolis date from the Early Iron Age to the end of the 7th and the beginning of the 6th century BC. The Cerchio Reale tomb group is an impressive collection of burials from the oldest phase of the Macchiabate necropolis. A bronze tablet dating to the 6th century BC was found outside Building II; it bears a dedication to the goddess Athena by the Olympic victor Cleombrotus. Tomb Strada 1 dates to the 9th century BC.

For people with reduced mobility, access to the Antiquarium area is partially possible. This information is particularly relevant if you are planning a visit with different mobility needs.

Historic Center and Local Traditions

The Museo Archeologico di Francavilla Marittima is located in the town's historic center, in the so-called Palazzo de Santis. Another notable sight is the Fontana Vecchia: it was built in 1793, has three spouts whose water collects in three marble basins, and is protected by FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano).

Religious buildings and local festivals are also part of the town's cultural character. The Chiesa della Madonna degli Infermi was built in the first half of the 19th century as a private chapel over an earlier church built by the Sanseverino family in the 16th century. The Cappella di Santa Lucia dates from 1881. The feast day of Saint Lucy takes place on December 12 and 13. In connection with the feast day of Saint Lucy, “grano cotto” is considered a typical dish.

More places for planning your trip: Parenti, Intavolata, Villapiana Lido, Marano Marchesato, Malito, Palombella, San Giovanni In Fiore and Amica.

To the overview of the wider travel area: Cosenza.