Crotone

The city of Crotone is the provincial capital of the Ionian coast, the renowned Costa dei Saraceni, and includes the hilly middle area of the so-called Marchesato, characterised by lunar gullies that are well worth visiting.

The beating heart of the city of Crotone? Pythagoras Square, named after the symbolic figure: Crotone is to all intents and purposes the "City of Pythagoras". Founded by Greek colonists from Achaia in the 8th century B.C., ancient Kroton was one of the most powerful poleis of Magna Graecia, home to the excellent Pythagorean School built by the great Greek philosopher and mathematician around 530 B.C.

Dedicated to Pythagoras are the Pythagorean Museum and Gardens, aka "Pythagoras Park", the city's vast green area conceived as a viewpoint and place for playful experimentation. The ancient charm of the city of Crotone lingers in a symbolic place: the Capo Colonna National Archaeological Park, witness to the only surviving column of the original Temple of Hera Lacinia.

Crotone's Seafront is the town centre, around which are clubs, shops and restaurants serving two of its typical specialities: the spicy Sardella Crotonese and the delicious Pecorino Crotonese PDO. A stroll through the city centre of Crotone reveals other landmarks: the majestic Castle of Charles V (15th century), whose Helper Tower is home to the Civic Museum; the Cathedral of the Assumption, guardian of the precious Black Madonna, object of the pilgrimage to the Shrine of Capo Colonna; and the National Archaeological Museum.

Crotone, sea and summer holidays? We are a stone's throw from the enchanting Marine Protected Area of "Isola Capo Rizzuto", a stretch of crystal-clear sea surrounded by cinnamon-coloured beaches.