Sea, nature, culture: what to see in Tropea and surroundings
A journey through history, breathtaking views, and timeless charm
Art and Culture
In the center of the beautiful Costa degli Dei “Gods’ coast”, on the Tyrrhenian Sea not far from Vibo Valentia, Tropea is the most famous and popular resort town of Calabria. Many historians attribute the city’s foundation to Scipio Africanus.
After the conquest of Carthage that took place in 209 BC, Scipio Africanus was on his way back to Rome when he arrived in the Cape Vaticano promontory’s neighborhood, where he then ordered the construction of a city that called Tropea.
The town, of medieval structure, is dominated by a number of seventeenth-century palaces. From the main square, along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, you could reach a panoramic balcony from which you can admire the Saint Leonardo’s rock and the small Santa Maria’s island. The old town in Tropea as a particular interest, with the ‘700 and ‘800’s palaces, perched on the cliff overlooking the sea, with the beautiful white beach below.
A small itinerary for you
The streets of Tropea and main attractions
- Duomo: the Norman cathedral has an annexed Diocesan Museum, with religious and archaeological works of art. Opening Hours: daily: from 7 AM. to 11:30 AM, from 4:30 PM. to 6:30 PM.
- Church of Santa Maria’s Island: the famous church is located in Tropea, on the cliff facing the town. It’s called “island” because once this cliff was larger and completely surrounded by the sea. Opening hours: daily 9:30 AM. – 12:30 AM. / 3:00 PM. – 7:00 PM, on holidays until 8:00 PM.
- Piazza Ercole, the center of the old town.
- Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
- Largo San Michele, where there is Toraldo palace, a castle that in the past blocked the access to the city.
- The Belvedere (viewpoint) Rico Ripa.
- Largo Duomo, which offers a wonderful view over the Tropea Sea & Harbour.
- Largo Villetta, near Via Indipendenza, home of a beautiful balcony from which you can enjoy a wonderful view over the whole coastline. In the background, you could see the Aeolian islands. The Norman cathedral, which dates back to 1100 AC, is located in Largo Duomo.