Journey into the mysteries of Catanzaro Underground

Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the busy streets, parks or squares? In Catanzaro you can have the experience of entering the belly of the city, of taking a journey into the underground caves, through tunnels full of fascination and mystery. Secret passages shrouded in the mists of legend.

The galleries are located below the San Giovanni Monumental Complex, in Piazza Garibaldi, built on the site of the Norman Castle erected in the 11th century by Robert Guiscard to defend the territory from Saracen raids and partially destroyed in the 15th century. Over the centuries, the manor has changed its nature several times: it was a convent, then a hospital and finally a prison.

Walkways carved into the limestone lie below a section of the Sangiovanni Hill. For decades, tales have been handed down of nobles walking through these tunnels to easily reach the church, entering them from inside their palaces. What is certain is that their origin is ancient and throughout history the underground passages have been used to move clandestinely from one part of the city to another. In particular, during the Second World War, they were turned into air-raid shelters and used to allow soldiers to escape enemy siege.

Catanzaro Underground

With the support of expert guides, it is possible to visit the Secret Galleries of San Giovanni: redevelopment work has given these places back to the city in a new guise, hosting various events, exhibitions and concerts.

The long route is articulated as a network and probably propagated along other routes. All this suggests a part of the underground city that is not yet known. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the tunnels and are an immersive journey through history, between the enveloping silence and the half-light that emphasises the mystery of these places.

Along the way, pickaxe marks are evident on the walls, evidence of probable limestone quarrying activity. The main entrance is on Corso Mazzini, while one of the exits leads onto Via Carlo V. The San Giovanni Monumental Complex has a large exhibition area on two levels, accessed by an elegant staircase leading to the inner courtyard. Also part of the complex is the famous fountain with the statue of the "Cavatore", the panoramic square, the tower of Charles V and the surviving castle walls.

Not to be missed in Catanzaro

Once you have emerged from the gloomy atmosphere of the underground tunnels, you can set out to discover a vital city with many resources and opportunities for tourists. The wind - which is never lacking here - will certainly not slow down a tour that starts from the majestic Bisantis Bridge designed by engineer Riccardo Morandi and an architectural symbol of the city.

We return to the centre to walk along the main street full of bars and shops and stop to visit the Cathedral before continuing on to the Marca - Catanzaro Museum of the Arts, which houses works by Mattia Preti among others. A stroll through the historic centre and then off, past the Politeama Theatre, towards an unmissable stop. This is the Mediterranean Biodiversity Park, a natural oasis in the city centre extending over sixty hectares, with areas equipped for sport and play, an equestrian centre and the Military History Museum.

There is still time to breathe in the sea air. A few minutes and you reach the city's marina, Catanzaro Lido, with its promenade and large free beach.