Strongoli: History, Coast and Routes through the Surrounding Area

Strongoli combines archaeological traces, ecclesiastical history, destinations in the surrounding area and access to the coastal area.

Archaeological Traces and Historic Buildings

On the Strongoli plateau and on the Murgie tableland, there are finds indicating protourban communities from the Iron Age in the 9th and 8th centuries BC. From the Murgie tableland, presumed to be Macalla, come a spherical Corinthian aryballos from the last quarter of the 7th century BC depicting a bird with a human body, as well as a Corinthian alabastron from the first third of the 6th century BC depicting a winged griffin.

The Norman castle of Strongoli was built on the site where the acropolis of ancient Petelia is presumed to have stood. The Collegiate Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Strongoli is the former cathedral; it already held the title of cathedral at the beginning of the 15th century. In Petelia, a gold tablet with a Greek inscription was found in a tomb in 1836. The connection to Petelia is apparent both in the presumed location of the acropolis beneath the castle and in the findspot of the gold tablet.

Beaches and Orientation by the Sea

Spiaggia di Tronca and Saint Thomas are located in the immediate vicinity of Strongoli. Spiaggia di Torre Melissa and Spiaggia di Cirò are located in the surrounding area of Strongoli. Marina di Strongoli is easily accessible by road, has several parking options and offers equipped beach resorts with cafés, showers and toilets. Coastal planning should therefore distinguish between the beach facilities in Marina di Strongoli and the other destinations in the surrounding area.

Cycling through the Val di Neto

The Ciclopedonale della Val di Neto is approximately 38 kilometres long and connects Caccuri, Belvedere di Spinello, Santa Severina, Rocca di Neto, Scandale and Strongoli. The route follows an old mule track and has information boards and equipped rest areas. At approximately 38 kilometres, the route should be planned as a longer bike ride rather than a short loop within the town. The rest areas allow for breaks along the route, while the old mule track shapes the character of the ride. The route passes through several municipalities and therefore extends geographically beyond Strongoli.

Cultural Destinations in the Surrounding Area

Castello Sabatini is a castle in the surrounding area of Strongoli. The Museo Civico Archeologico, a museum, is also located in the surrounding area. Palazzo Scavuzzo is a palace in the surrounding area of Strongoli. Krimisa is an ancient site in the wider regional area around Strongoli. In Strongoli's historic centre, the Passione Vivente also takes place annually, a community performance depicting the final moments of Jesus' life. As a community performance, the Passione Vivente differs from the individual buildings, the museum and the ancient site.

Further destinations: Crotone, Petilia Policastro, Cutro, Caccuri, Melissa, Cirò Marina, Steccato, Cotronei.

To the higher-level travel overview: Crotone.