Terranova Da Sibari: Churches, History and Local Cuisine

Terranova da Sibari between Hills and Antiquity

Terranova da Sibari is situated on a hill like a terrace above the Piana di Sibari. The ancient city of Sibari was located on this plain. The first urban development of Terranova da Sibari is also associated with the ancient city of Copia Thurii. This creates a townscape in which the landscape and historical references stand closely side by side, without requiring the individual periods to be equated with one another.

Churches and Religious Heritage

The Church of San Nicola dates back to 1341. San Nicola Vescovo houses a canvas painting depicting Saint Nicholas, dating from 1643. The single-nave interior includes a wooden coffered ceiling with rosettes from the 16th century. These details draw attention both to the furnishings and to the town's long-standing religious character.

The Church of Sant'Antonio da Padova dates back to 1611, is decorated in the Baroque style and was later enriched with 18th-century stucco work. The year 1627 is also associated with this church: it was commissioned by Padre Lorenzo Berlingieri, Don Aloysio and Don Gabriele De Angelis out of devotion to the two saints. Terranova da Sibari's religious heritage includes numerous monasteries and around 20 churches.

Historical landmarks can also be found outside the churches. The stele of Terranova da Sibari is a monolith with visible inscriptions at its base and top. The inscriptions at the base are probably attributed to the Classical period; the inscription at the top is probably considered a dedication to Corrado Pirro. The so-called Palazzo del Principe, together with the castle and its adjoining theater, is located in a central square in the town.

Agriculture and Local Cuisine

Vineyards and olive groves continue to be cultivated in the Terranova da Sibari area. Characteristic clementines are grown in the Piana di Sibari and particularly in Terranova da Sibari. In December 2022, Lagane, ceci e finocchietto selvatico was described as a dish that embodies the identity of Terranova da Sibari.

Stage and Distinctive Local Features

The tenth stage of the Cammino Basiliano begins in Terranova da Sibari at Piazza San Francesco. In April 2025, the Passione Vivente in Terranova da Sibari reached its 51st edition.

Only the surrounding walls built from local stone remain of Castello Spinelli. Castello Spinelli is used as a private residence.

Getting There and Local Connections

The Tarsia Nord–Spezzano Terme exit on the A2 Autostrada del Mediterraneo, also known as the Salerno–Reggio Calabria motorway, is said to be 9.93 km from the center of Terranova da Sibari.

For further destinations to help you get your bearings, see Scalea, Roseto Capo Spulico, Scarcelli, Palombella, Marina di Santa Maria del Cedro, Mangone, Camigliatello Silano and Diamante.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cosenza.