Mileto between Archaeology and Sacred History
Accommodation in Mileto
Mileto combines medieval archaeology, sacred architecture and museum exhibits into a culturally diverse destination. The Parco Archeologico Medievale di Mileto Antica is the first medieval archaeological park in Calabria. For you, the historical arc therefore ranges from archaeological traces and ecclesiastical buildings to preserved works of art.
Archaeology and Museum Exhibits
The Museo Statale di Mileto covers the period from the Late Roman Empire to the 19th century with its collection. It displays Roman finds as well as medieval furnishings from the former Benedictine Abbey of SS. Trinità and the old cathedral. These include fragments of polychrome stained-glass windows and Norman capitals from the 11th and 12th centuries. The museum also presents documentation from the 14th century, including the remains of monumental sarcophagi of Ruggero Sanseverino and Giovanna d’Aquino. Further works are attributed to the so-called Maestro di Mileto.
The Cultural Landscape of Mileto Antica
The Parco Archeologico Medievale di Mileto Antica protects a historical cultural landscape covering approximately 40 hectares. On the eastern hill of the park stand the remains of the Abbazia della Santissima Trinità, founded by Ruggero I. Around Mileto Antica, olive groves, valleys and ancient watercourses alternate. If, alongside individual buildings, you would also like to include the surrounding landscape in your historical perspective, this setting offers an independent approach to the past.
Sacred Buildings and Art
Mileto’s sacred heritage is reflected in several significant sites. The Cattedrale di Maria SS. Assunta e S. Nicola is a church built in the 11th century in the Romanesque-Norman style. After being destroyed twice by earthquakes, it was rebuilt. In the historic centre, the Santuario di Santa Maria della Cattolica preserves a life-size wooden statue of the Madonna and Child dating from 1700.
Pilgrimage Route and Getting There
The 141-kilometre Cammino del Normanno connects the Ionian Sea with the Tyrrhenian Sea, crosses the Serre mountains and comprises eight stages. On the way to Mileto, the pilgrimage and hiking route reaches the town that was known as the Norman capital because of its important role at the time. In Paravati, the Villa della Gioia–Cittadella di Maria can be reached by train via Mileto station.
Choose Mileto Based on Your Travel Interests
If you choose Mileto, you can combine the archaeological park, museum, sacred buildings or the Cammino del Normanno as different focal points of your trip. Mileto can thereby form part of a broader trip to Italy as a cultural travel component connecting the archaeological park, museum and sacred buildings.
Further Destinations
Further destinations for independent orientation: Caria, Francavilla Angitola, Monterosso Calabro, Soriano Calabro, Serra San Bruno, San Cono, Santa Maria Di Ricadi, Rombiolo.
For the higher-level travel overview: Vibo Valentia.
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