This Is Italy
Catanzaro – the capital of the Calabria region – is the perfect destination for tourists looking to soak up some Mediterranean rays as they navigate this picturesque town on the Costa degli Aranci.
Catanzaro: numerous attractions and sights
Catanzaro in Calabria is home to Italy's finest silk and velvet products, making it an excellent place for anyone into fashion.
Yet the city has so much more to offer than just that.
Catanzaro offers visitors countless opportunities to enjoy their vacation, whether it be enjoying the beaches, experiencing the beautiful botanical park, or simply exploring the historic cobblestone streets of the city.
Whether you like architectural sights or fun in the sun, there's something right up your alley in Catanzaro.
Catanzaro is also called 'the city between 2 seas', because it is located on the 35 km narrow part of the country between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea.
To make your trip to Calabria just that little bit more special and easier, we have already listed some of the absolute highlights!
1.Villa Trieste in Catanzaro
If you are planning to visit Catanzaro soon, one of the top spots not to be missed is Villa Trieste.
It is the oldest public park in the city, and at the same time one of the most scenic.
The views from here are fantastic too, so get your camera or phone out to snap some shots.
Villa Trieste is a charming and beautiful place for any occasion. Whether you want to relax with your family in the gardens, have a picnic on the stone benches, or seek peace and solitude under one of the ancient trees that line this beautiful park; you will be welcomed here with open arms.
The Villa also offers excellent places for jogging and cycling along well-maintained cycle paths. There is even a tennis club nearby.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, Villa Trieste is a must-see for anyone wanting to learn about Catanzaro's rich history.
2. Cascata Campanaro
The Campanaro waterfall near the village of Zagarise plunges from a height of about 160 meters.
Take a walk through the beautiful forest landscape that seems like something out of a fairytale book to find one of Catanzaro's most beautiful natural treasures.
The rocky footpath winds uphill past olive groves, fruit trees and Mediterranean vegetation at Cascata Campanaro.
With breathtaking walks that are easily accessible and the waters refreshing, the Campanaro Waterfall is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike who want to get out into nature.
3. La Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
Are you a lover of old churches? Then you should definitely see the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista in Catanzaro.
This Romanesque masterpiece has a facade that is simple yet elegant.
Standing proudly in Piazza Matteotti (see later in this list), the church's most striking feature is the semicircular staircase leading to the entrance. That is all that remains of the original cloister.
The church was built in the 16th century by Romanesque architects, but in the past it also served as a barracks and prison, so that the outer building is now a combination of all kinds of architectural styles.
The Chiesa di San Giovanni is a beautiful historic church where you will experience a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.
4. Orme nel Parco (Footprints in the Park)
With a rich and varied landscape just waiting to be explored, Orme nel Parco adventure park is the perfect place for adventure seekers.
You can enjoy a climbing forest here, you can camp, mountain bike and hike.
Immerse yourself in nature as you walk the wildlife watching trails past beautiful spruce and beech trees in a spectacular setting.
There is also plenty of opportunity here for exciting outdoor activities such as mountain biking or jeep safaris.
The park also offers plenty of activities for small children!
Discover Orme nel Parco virtually via the website.
5. Scolacium Archaeological Park
The program Scolacium Archaeological Park we mentioned earlier one of the most beautiful places in all of Calabria.
The archaeological finds in the park are remnants of the ancient Greek colony of Skylletion, which later became the Roman Scolacium became.
The park is a cultural and historical treasure trove waiting to be discovered by locals and tourists alike.
The park contains fascinating remains of different cultures, such as the Greek, Roman and Byzantine rulers.
This way you will discover the habits and customs of the former inhabitants of the region, such as the athletes who practiced their sport here long before football became popular in Western Europe.
The Archaeological Park of Scolacium is one of those places where many tourists from all over the world come to see history.
Walk along paths carved by Roman chariots and see the impressive monuments that survive to this day.
Your visit isn't complete without checking out the amphitheater or visiting one of the spas for an experience you'll never forget!
Look for opening times and entrance prices on the website.
6. Catanzaro Lido – the beach of Catanzaro
Catanzaro Lido is a pretty seaside town overlooking the Ionian Sea, southeast of the Italian peninsula.
This is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some relaxation on one of the beautiful white sand beaches. The water here is also pleasantly warm all year round.
Whether you are an adventurer or peace seeker, Catanzaro Lido has something for everyone. You can stroll around the charming, yet chic town, enjoy the scenic coastline and the most delicious pizzas…
And then we haven't even mentioned all the water sports and leisure activities that can be done here.
For those looking for a more active experience, Catanzaro Lido won't disappoint either.
Here you will find more than 600 hectares of lush green garden landscapes, which include an 18-hole golf course and an Italian-style swimming pool complex, complete with waterfall and jacuzzi!
The beach is usually crowded on weekends, so it's better to go during the week. Bring your towel and bathing suit and enjoy this beautiful spot at the bottom of the Boot.
7. Fontana de Santa Caterina
Right in the city center, the Fontana de Santa Caterina is a serene place. Everything you need for an afternoon picnic with your tour group. Sit down and enjoy something as simple and soothing as this ancient fountain.
Another beautiful fountain in the center is Il Cavatore.
8. Piazza Matteotti – Catanzaro
On the other side of Catanzaro you will find Piazza Matteotti. A beautiful, park-like setting with palm trees and monuments. An oasis of peace in the middle of the bustle of Catanzaro.
There is a special atmosphere here – people from all walks of life gather for all kinds of reasons – with celebrations, demonstrations and performances that make this place unforgettable and make Piazza Matteotti a must-see on any visit to Catanzaro.
Give your feet a rest here while you enjoy the sun, stroll through the picturesque surroundings, browse the many shops around the square, or enjoy a cup of Italian coffee in one of the nearby cafes.
9. Lido di Pietragrande – the other beach of Catanzaro
A quieter alternative to the bustle of nearby Catanzaro Lido, Pietragrande Beach offers a stretch of golden sand as far as the eye can see.
A peaceful beach that is usually not as crowded as that other beach on hot days. The nearby Spiaggia Caminia is also an excellent option if you want to avoid crowds.
See that beautiful blue water in the picture? Bring your snorkel gear and explore this beautiful stretch of coast.
You may see colorful fish or crustaceans beneath the water's surface. If all that is too much hassle for you, you can also simply rent beautiful beach beds and umbrellas here and there is a bar, restaurant and disco.
No beach sleeper? The elevated promenade that stretches along Via Marina gives you plenty of opportunity to admire the beautiful sea views.
10. Lake Arvo
Lake Arvo is a reservoir that was created to generate hydroelectric power for the surrounding area. It is about an hour and a half drive north of Catanzaro.
As well as beautiful scenery, there are hiking trails on both sides of this man-made lake, giving visitors the opportunity to get a good look at the impressive dam.
11. Ponte Bisantis
The majestic Ponte Fausto Bisantis of 1962 (also known as the Morandi Bridge of Catanzaro), which stretches 468 meters over the Fiumarella stream valley and is 112 meters high at its highest point, is a symbol of Catanzaro and of Italian architecture .
What seemed an impossible feat was accomplished after just 3 years of construction thanks to the expertise of the Italian-Danish engineer Riccardo Morandi in concrete bridges.
At the time of its construction, it was the second largest single-arch reinforced concrete bridge in Europe and in the world in terms of span. A milestone in engineering for Italy.
This monumental bridge perfectly conveys the pride local residents have for their city, making it interesting to walk over this intricate piece of Italian engineering.
It accommodates both pedestrians and cyclists on both sides of the bridge.
(Let's hope this bridge lasts longer than that other famous Morandi bridge near Genoa, which collapsed in 2018, which was more due to maintenance than construction. At least the police are on top of it.)
12. Museo Meridionale della Lambretta
If, despite all the highlights we've already discussed above, you want to get a taste of Italian culture even more, the Lambretta Museum offers this and much more.
Housed in the town of Sellia Marina, you'll find the iconic scooters used all over the world in the 60s and 70s mod revivalsubculture were used, in addition to that other iconic scooter brand naturally.
The Lambretta Museum near Catanzaro is a nice place to visit if you want to gain an insight into the famous legends that shaped this iconic scooter brand.
In the museum you will find an abundance of historic scooters and good information about the zeitgeist.
13. Parco della Biodiversità Mediterranea
The Parco della Biodiversità Mediterranea is the largest park in Catanzaro, located just north of the center.
The park includes a botanical garden with about 1.500 plants and a military museum that, on one side of the building, traces the evolution of Italy from the Napoleonic rule to the fascism shows and, on the other hand, exhibits regional crafts and gastronomy.
Parco della Biodiversità Mediterranea is one of the most popular attractions in the area and is often crowded. You can also visit it for free!
If you stay on the outside paths of the park, it's easier to get through. Tired of all that walking, look for a shady bench for a picnic.
As well as lots of exciting things to see – including impressive military exhibits – this park also has great amenities, including a restaurant and toilets, plus an expansive botanical garden to discover flora from all over Italy.
This park is the perfect place to visit with friends and family. Children will also have a great time here, as there is much to see and do.
When you walk through the park, you can't help but stop and marvel at the beauty of nature in the city.
You pay a modest entrance fee for the museum, the park is completely free.
View all information about the park on the special website.
Would you like to discover the most beautiful places in Catanzaro yourself?
Do you want to experience all the beauty of Catanzaro yourself? Then you have to go to Calabria! Also read the article with the 10 most beautiful places in Calabria to see what else there is to experience in the area.
Not convinced yet? Then watch this video. Bet you want to leave for Catanzaro right away?
You can also find more information on the website of the tourism office.
If you want to make a trip to Catanzaro, there are plenty of options to stay here, in a hotel, apartment or holiday home.
Here you will find the best and cheapest accommodations in Catanzaro.
Have you ever been to Catanzaro yourself and would you like to share your tips for sights and activities with other Italy lovers? Then feel free to let us know!
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