Gioia Tauro between Metauros, the Coast and Local Culture

Gioia Tauro combines ancient history, historic sites, coastal landscapes and a distinctive local food culture. Specific local references include the Museo Archeologico Metauros, Piano delle Fosse, the balustrade of Villa Ponzio and Struncatura di Gioia Tauro.

Ancient History and Historic Sites

Gioia Tauro corresponds to the ancient Greek polis of Metauros. The Museo Archeologico Metauros displays materials from the large necropolis excavated on the coast of Gioia Tauro, dating from the 7th to the 5th century BC. The Soprintendenza Archeologica Della Calabria, a museum, is also located in the area around Gioia Tauro.

Another historical focal point is Piano delle Fosse, the medieval historic center of Gioia Tauro. The architectural heritage also includes the Opificio ex Gaslini. It was established in the 19th century as a refinery for processing olive residues, oils and soaps. The building's central façade and one of its two original towers have been preserved. Those interested in culture will encounter Metauros, Piano delle Fosse and the Opificio ex Gaslini in Gioia Tauro.

Panoramas and Beaches on the Coast

The Parco delle Rimembranze (Villa Ponzio) has a long balustrade offering a panorama across the strait as far as Capo Vaticano. Those who want to observe the coast can orient themselves at the balustrade of the Parco delle Rimembranze, as well as at beaches and viewpoints in the surrounding area.

In the immediate vicinity of Gioia Tauro are Spiaggia Gioia Tauro, a beach, and Spiaggia Di Palmi, also a beach. The surrounding area also includes Spiaggia Costa Viola and Ulivarella, both beaches. Caletta Rovaglioso Scogliera Porto Oreste, a viewpoint, is located in the area around Gioia Tauro. Mount St Elia, a viewpoint, is also located in the area around Gioia Tauro.

Festivals and Typical Specialties

The patronal festivities for Sant’Ippolito included a procession of the giants and the marching band, as well as an infiorata on Via Roma. At a celebration for Sant’Antonio, bread from the bakeries of Gioia Tauro was blessed, as was bread brought by worshippers. Another celebration included an open-air mass in Piazza Silipigni in the old town center of Gioia Tauro. One celebration is associated with Via Roma, while the other is associated with Piazza Silipigni in the old town center.

Stroncatura di Gioia Tauro is one of the fresh pasta varieties typical of Gioia Tauro. The Sagra della Struncatura di Gioia Tauro presents this specialty and takes place every year in August on the seafront promenade. For those interested in culture, the Sagra combines the local pasta variety with the August event on the seafront promenade. The pasta variety bears the name Gioia Tauro.

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To the higher-level travel overview: Reggio Calabria.