Ricadi: Coast, Museums and Historic Paths

Museums between archaeology and agriculture

The Museo archeologico e paleontologico is one of the five facilities of the Museo Civico di Ricadi. It is located in the “Fazzari” Palazzo in the Santa Domenica district. The paleontological collection includes fossil remains of marine and land animals. The Museo della Cipolla Rossa di Tropea IGP focuses on another regional speciality. It is located near San Nicolò di Ricadi railway station in an extensive red onion-growing area. Its exhibition traces the history of cultivation and marketing using records dating from the end of the 18th century to the end of the 20th century. It also covers traditional cultivation from flowering to the seed stage, open-field cultivation and the onion braid shape known as “treccia”.

The Museo demo-etnoantropologico e dell’Olio d’oliva is housed in the former “Marcello Sculco” oil mill, a 19th-century building. Presses, mills, engines and tools for working the soil and agricultural products are preserved there. In Capo Vaticano, the Museo del Mare is located in a former Marina Militare building that served as a daymark until the mid-20th century. From the Belvedere del Capo, there is a view of the Gulf of Gioia Tauro and Sicily. The lighthouse at the Belvedere del Capo stands 100 metres above sea level and was built in 1870. At the Belvedere dei Cannoni, the base of a cannon that was installed there during its military use in the 20th century has also been preserved.

Baia di Formicoli and the surrounding beaches

In the Baia di Formicoli, a path cut into the slope of the Brace stream leads down into the valley to a chapel dedicated to the virgin and martyr Santa Domenica. Just a few metres from the beach, an extensive seagrass meadow of Posidonia oceanica, an aquatic plant endemic to the Mediterranean, begins there. The beaches in the immediate surroundings of Ricadi include Spiaggia di Turiano, Spiaggia di Formicoli and Spiaggia di Santa Domenica. Spiaggia Di Riaci is located in the surroundings of Ricadi. This allows you to combine coastal observation, beach days and cultural visits during your stay according to your interests.

Archaeological traces and towers

A Greek settlement existed on the northern promontory of the Baia di Santa Maria from the 5th century to the first decades of the 3rd century BC. In the same bay, a large Roman amphora depot dating from the 2nd to the 1st century BC was discovered. Torre Ruffa is the only one of the four coastal towers in the Capo Vaticano area of Ricadi that is still preserved. The Museo delle Torri in Brivadi is part of the Museo Civico di Ricadi, which is spread across five locations within the municipality.

The historic site of Torre Marrana is located in the immediate surroundings of Ricadi. Torre Marrana is a tower from the Angevin period. The area is of archaeological interest because ceramic fragments were found there indicating a prehistoric settlement. A stone theatre with seating for 500 spectators also stands at Torre Marrana. In the Chiesa di Santa Domenica, the vault is decorated with stucco and dates from 1897. The furnishings include a statue of the Madonna Addolorata dating from around 1600.

Old paths through the landscape

The Fiumara della Ruffa can be reached from Brivadi via old paths and a steep, downhill, unpaved mule track. The route passes through centuries-old trees, shrubs and flowers. An old hydroelectric power station is located along the Fiumara; it was built around 1929/1930 by Bernardo Toraldo di Tropea to supply the municipalities of Spilinga, Drapia and Ricadi with electricity. Antichi Sentieri gives visitors the opportunity to explore old paths through wooded landscapes with panoramic views. This allows cultural destinations and nature experiences to be weighted differently when planning your day.

Further destinations are spread throughout the surroundings and the wider regional area of Ricadi: The Museo Civico Archeologico and the Chiesa dell'Annunziata are located in the surroundings of Ricadi. The Soprintendenza Archeologica Della Calabria museum is located in the wider regional area of Ricadi. These places expand the selection for travellers who want to include archaeology, religious buildings and the history of Calabria alongside the coast.

Discover more places

For further travel planning, you can also explore Santa Maria Di Ricadi, Limbadi, Mongiana, Monterosso Calabro, Mileto, Nicotera Marina, Drapia and Capistrano.

To the main travel overview: Vibo Valentia.