Santa Domenica between the Sea, Museums and History

Coast, Cliffs and Marine Nature

Spiaggia la Scalea can be reached by sea, via a hiking trail through the Mediterranean maquis or by a nearby staircase from the town. The beach lies at the foot of a sandstone cliff approximately 70 metres high. In front of Spiaggia la Scalea, the turquoise seabed is rich in marine flora and fauna. This creates a coastal experience in which access, rocky landscape, vegetation and underwater world are closely connected, without implying that they form a single circular route.

Baia di Formicoli also combines nature and culture. A few metres from the beach, Posidonia oceanica forms an extensive seagrass meadow; this aquatic plant is endemic to the Mediterranean. At the end of the valley stands a small church dedicated to the Virgin and martyr Santa Domenica. It was rebuilt in 1962 next to the site where the ruins of a church and monastery had stood until 1600.

Archaeology in Palazzo “Fazzari”

The Museo Archeologico e Paleontologico is housed in Palazzo “Fazzari” in Santa Domenica. Its palaeontological section displays fossil remains of marine and land animals. The archaeological tour begins in two prehistoric rooms with reconstructions of two burials. On the upper floor, Greek finds from the 6th to the 3rd century BC from the Torre S. Maria archaeological site in Ricadi are displayed. Roman amphorae from Baia di Santa Maria also serve as a reminder that such vessels were used to transport food in Roman times.

The past is not confined to the museum rooms. A prehistoric necropolis with typical domed tombs carved into sandstone was discovered in Santa Domenica. Remains of early Christian necropolises are also visible there. Torre Ruffa is regarded in the area concerned as the only surviving coastal tower of this type.

Coastal Towers and Routes into the Hinterland

Torre Marino was built in the early 1800s by the nobleman Marino Tranfo, who came from Tropea, on the site of a “stazione cavallara” dating from the 16th century. Horses and riders were housed at this station to pass on warnings to those settlements that could not be reached by the coastal towers. Another excursion destination is the Fiumara della Ruffa. It can be reached via old paths or by a steep, uneven mule track from Brivadi. Along the Fiumara stands an old hydroelectric power station built around 1929/1930.

Onions, Olive Oil and Maritime Tradition

The Museo Civico di Ricadi, which is spread across five locations in the municipal area, includes the Museo della Cipolla Rossa di Tropea IGP. It is located near the San Nicolò di Ricadi railway station. The Museo Demo-etnoantropologico e dell’Olio d’oliva is housed in the former “Marcello Sculco” olive mill, a 19th-century building. The two museums focus attention on agricultural products and the work that has shaped everyday life in the region.

At the Museo del Mare in Capo Vaticano, you can see equipment used for fishing and navigation, including lamps, harpoons, fishing nets, anchors and oars. The museum is located in a former observation post of the Italian Navy that served as a day lighthouse until the middle of the 20th century. When choosing accommodation for your trip to Santa Domenica, you can therefore consider whether the coast, nature, archaeology or local everyday culture should be the focus of your days.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

For further orientation, you can also include Vibo Marina, San Costantino Calabro, Coccorino, Zungri, Pannaconi, Vallelonga, Brattiro' and Tropea in your selection.

For the higher-level travel overview: Vibo Valentia.