Badolato
The village of ‘’slow life‘’ overlooking the sea
Sea
Comune di Badolato
One of the most famous resorts in Ionian Calabria along the so-called Costa dei Gelsomini, Badolato, in the province of Catanzaro, is the perfect destination for those who love slow, community-based tourism that combines sea, history and traditions.
Badolato has a fascinating history, transforming from a ‘village for sale’ into a ‘buen retiro’ for artists and foreigners, and into one of Calabria's Most Beautiful Villages of Italy.
An open-air film set that attracts film directors and film tourism enthusiasts every year, Badolato Borgo is a small crib perched on a hill overlooking the sea. Going up to the village and its many churches, which bear witness to centuries-old religious traditions, one stands out above all others: the Church of Addolorata, a panoramic jewel at the foot of the village.
This beautiful little church is linked to Badolato's most important religious event: the famous Holy Week (with particular reference to the rites of Holy Saturday), during which the church and alleyways come alive with hundreds of figures re-enacting the Passion of Christ. Going up to Badolato Borgo and strolling through the narrow alleys and panoramic belvederes (Belvedere Amato, in Piazza Castello, and Belvedere di Piazza Bastione, which overlooks the Church of the Immacolata), one encounters monumental buildings, such as the ancient Bell Tower, noble palaces and numerous churches. Prominent among these are the Mother Church, the Church of San Salvatore and the Church of Santa Caterina, where ancient confraternities operate and still keep alive their rites. The 17th-century Convent of the Angels, on the panoramic hill overlooking the village, can be visited from the outside or at times agreed with the resident community. Recently restored, Palazzo Gallelli serves as an exhibition centre and venue for cultural events, also hosting a small multimedia info-point at its entrance. A gem? The ‘’Talking Stones‘’ set into some of the buildings' façades, the work of the artist Gianni Verdiglione, evoking episodes of local history and ancient legends.
The Marina di Badolato is an intact ecosystem that still preserves the Mediterranean maquis and typical dune vegetation in the stretches of free beach. Here you can decide whether to rely on the services of the bathing establishments or enjoy the coastline on your own, from camping on the beach to diving and hang-gliding. The artistic events not to be missed? The Badolato Tarantella Festival and the annual season of the Municipal Theatre located in the marina and run by the Teatro del Carro company.
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