Lazzaro: Discover Archaeology and the Coast

Lazzaro combines archaeological remains with a coastal stay on the Ionian Sea.

Archaeology in Leucopetra

The Museo Civico Archeologico Antiquarium Leucopetra displays archaeological finds documenting Greek, Roman and later settlements in the area of Motta San Giovanni. The Area Archeologica Leucopetra complements this insight with visible architectural and material traces. The remains of an imposing late Roman mausoleum with fragments of marble sarcophagi of Attic and Asian manufacture have been preserved there.

The Area Archeologica Leucopetra also includes a late antique settlement. It yielded tableware, a roof tile inscribed with Greek-Byzantine characters, and a significant late imperial hoard. The site also includes a pseudo-circular kiln dated to the 5th century and a small necropolis with graves furnished with grave goods. Just a few metres from the SS.106 road in Lazzaro, the archaeological site is also located at a clearly identifiable landmark for planning your stay.

Practical Information and Accessibility

When visiting the Antiquarium Leucopetra, you should take the structural conditions into account when planning your visit: The museum is accessible via a staircase and has neither a ramp for people with disabilities nor a lift. The Area Archeologica Leucopetra has different facilities. It has mobile walkways for people with disabilities, an information point, toilets, lighting, Braille information panels and tourist signage.

Further Historical Traces around Lazzaro

The archaeological focus continues beyond Leucopetra. Evidence of an early Christian necropolis was discovered at Capo dell'Armi near Lazzaro. More recent excavations near the San Vincenzo stream uncovered part of a Roman villa with six rooms; three of these rooms featured Roman mosaics.

The Castello di Santo Niceto castle and the ruins of Pentedattilo are also located around Lazzaro. The Castello Aragonese castle and the Museo Diocesano museum are likewise in the surrounding area.

Coast, Beach and Underwater Landscape

The Lazzaro–Lido Sogno bathing water section is rated “Excellent” over a length of 1,707 metres. For planning your trip, this represents a distinct coastal aspect alongside the historical sites. Lazzaro’s promenade is a starting point for deep underwater exploration along rocky edges that generally run more or less parallel to the beach in places. Spiaggia La Sorgente beach is located near Lazzaro; Lido Comunale Zerbi beach and Spiaggia di Archi beach are located in the wider regional area.

Lazzaro as a Base for Your Trip

When choosing a hotel in Lazzaro, you can tailor your accommodation to your preferred travel rhythm: Cultural interests lead to Leucopetra, the archaeological traces at Capo dell'Armi and San Vincenzo, and the historical destinations in the surrounding area. Those planning their stay primarily around the coast can combine the bathing water section, the promenade and the beaches in the nearby and wider area. This makes Lazzaro a practical base for an individually planned trip combining history, coast and underwater landscapes, without merging the two focuses into a single experience.

Further Places for Trip Planning

San Roberto, Saline Joniche, San Lorenzo, Marina Di Gioiosa Ionica, Stignano, Portigliola, Monasterace Marina and Reggio Di Calabria

For the higher-level travel overview: Reggio Calabria.