What to See in Calabria: From Archaeology to Contemporary
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What to See in Calabria: From Archaeology to Contemporary

Calabria, in summer, is the perfect compromise for those who do not want to give up the sea but also want to enjoy art trips: from archaeology, castles, museums, and foundations… there is something for everyone! Here’s what to see in Calabria! 1 – Museum of the Brettii and Enotri For archaeology lovers, in Cosenza …

Di Artsupp Updated on 5 min read

Calabria, in summer, is the perfect compromise for those who do not want to give up the sea but also want to enjoy art trips: from archaeology, castles, museums, and foundations… there is something for everyone!

Here’s what to see in Calabria!

1 – Museum of the Brettii and Enotri

For archaeology lovers, in Cosenza there is the Museum of the Brettii and Enotri.

A permanent archaeological exhibition, but also a cultural hub that hosts temporary exhibitions, concerts, and institutional meetings.

The archaeological collection is vast, coming from urban excavations and various locations in the province. The Museum of the Brettii and Enotri, in addition to numerous archaeological finds, also houses, on the second floor, a collection of documents and memorabilia related to the city’s Risorgimento history. The Museum is essential for the promotion and knowledge of the vast cultural heritage of its territory.

2 – Le Castella, Isola di Capo Rizzuto

Le Castella, Isola di Capo Rizzuto

Are you more of a “beach person,” but don’t want to give up on art?

Perfect, now we will talk about a location suitable for you!

The second stop of our road trip in Calabria takes us to Isola di Capo Rizzuto, in the area of Le Castella. Le Castella takes its name from the Aragonese fortress, with the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea in the background.

The Aragonese Castle is a magical and evocative place, open to the public and visitable. The Castle is part of the Museum Complex of Calabria and is accessible with free admission. Le Castella is the perfect place for those who, between a swim and another, would like to indulge in some cultural breaks. 

 

3 – The Cattolica of Stilo

Cattolica of Stilo, main entrance


 
The Cattolica of Stilo is one of the most remarkable Byzantine architectures in all of Calabria, which is why it is on the list of sites nominated to become UNESCO World Heritage.
 
Nestled on a rocky spur at the foot of Monte Consolino, the Cattolica offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in nature thanks to the surrounding Park. The guided path leads visitors to the Monastery of the Poor Clares, a place of worship for the Nuns until the end of the 18th century.

The Cattolica of Stilo is the perfect place for those who want to immerse themselves in nature without giving up on art.

You can find all the information about the Cattolica of Stilo, the Lametino Archaeological Museum, and other sites of the Museum Complex of Calabria directly on Artsupp! 

4 – Civic Museum of Taverna 

In our selection, we could not miss the City of Taverna.

At the foot of the Sila National Park, a green lung and one of the major natural attractions of Calabria, lies the City of origin of the renowned artist Mattia Preti.

Mattia Preti, a follower of Caravaggio, also became famous in the cities of Rome and Naples.

The museum is located within the ancient 15th-century Cenobium. The permanent collection also houses archaeological finds from the 4th century and modern and contemporary artworks. 

 

Civic Museum of Taverna


Among its highlights, we cannot fail to mention the Madonna degli Angeli by Mattia Preti preserved in the eponymous hall of the Museum. A large-scale work that testifies to the skill of the “Calabrian Knight”.

Mattia Preti, Madonna degli Angeli, Civic Museum of Taverna


 

5 – MARCA – Museum of Contemporary Art of Catanzaro

Installation view, MARCA Museum of Catanzaro

 

Although Calabria boasts a high number of classical art collections, we cannot forget that it is also home to one of the most important contemporary art museums in Southern Italy: the MARCA of Catanzaro.  The museum houses a wide collection of sculptures and installations by the most famous artists in the contemporary scene. 

The MARCA Museum allows visitors to walk through the International Park of Contemporary Sculpture, one of the most significant public art projects at the national level. In an area of over 63 hectares adjacent to the urban center of the city of Catanzaro, 22 works by important international artists have been placed: Stephan Balkenhol, Tony Cragg, Wim Delvoye, Jan Fabre, Antony Gormley, Mimmo Paladino, Marc Quinn, Dennis Oppenheim, Michelangelo Pistoletto. 

Between a swim in the sea and a ride on a pedal boat, find an hour to visit this little gem in Catanzaro; you won’t regret it! 

These 6 gems represent just a small part of what you can visit in Calabria! From archaeology to contemporary art, Calabria offers a wide range suitable for everyone. 

Discover the museums of Calabria on Artsupp

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