The 9 things to do in Catanzaro

On the southern coast of Italy, by the Ionian Sea, visit Catanzaro, the city with multiple facets.

The city of Catanzaro is located in the region of Calabria, all south of Italy . The part of the peninsula on which the city is located is called the isthmus of Catanzaro, it is also the narrowest place. But in Catanzaro, in addition to the unique landscapes, discover its idyllic coastline and its still wild atmosphere. To visit Catanzaro, you will have to cut your discovery into two parts.

First the old town, the historic centre, located in the heights. Then, Catanzaro Lido, the very seasided coastline.

Follow the guide, we selected the must-sees to visit Catanzaro!

1. Mediterranean Biodiversity Park

Entirely integrated in Catanzaro, the Mediterranean Biodiversity Park spreads over nearly 13 hectares. It was created in 2004 but has undergone many transformations to improve it.

Indeed, the first four years after its inauguration, there have been constant cultural, environmental and technical interventions. For example, in 2005, the Wild Animal Recovery Centre opened.

The park also houses the International Park of Sculpture in 2006 and in 2007 the Military Historical Museum (MUSMI). In addition, the park allows to visit Catanzaro and its environment quite easily, thanks to the installed structures.

So take the time to stroll through the flowery arches, the trees or the green hills. And discover at the same time the thousands of preserved Mediterranean plant species.

2. Il Cavatore

Symbol of the city, the Fountain of the Cavatore ( la Fontana del Cavatore or Il Cavatore ) is a representation of the strength and tenacity of the inhabitants of Catanzaro.

Sculpted by Giuseppe Rito, it is made of bronze on a granitic base and date of the twentieth century. It is now in what was then the enclosure of a former Norman castle.

Also, it integrates the monumental complex of San Giovanni and borders Piazza Matteotti, on the heights of the city.

3. The Bising Bridge

In an environment governed by the valleys and cliffs, the city of Catanzaro has nevertheless managed to develop, on both sides of the Fiumarella River.

To counter certain road difficulties, Pont Bisantis was built in 1962. It is then the largest viaduct in Europe, with its height of 110 meters.

First called Viaduc Morandi, he was renamed in 2001 in honour of Fausto Bisantis, an illustrious catanzareso Senator of the Italian Republic.

It offers a huge view of the valley, north and south, with magnificent views of Catanzaro, and by extension, Italy!

4. The seafront

If visiting Catanzaro will make you take the height and embrace a wide horizon, you should not forget its seafront. Indeed, also on the waterfront, the city of Catanzaro is amazed by its Italian coastline.

First, it starts with the long beach, divided as often in Italy, in Lido. Discover the Ionian Sea, with no land on the horizon. Then you can go to the port and its artificial dam from where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets.

Also, you will have a breathtaking view of the whole seafront, the low town of Catanzaro and the valleys rising in the background.

To finish, don't miss the Terrazza Matteo Saliceti , a terrace overlooking the beach and the sea.

La Torre Tonnina

All west of the seafront, beaches, and along the Corace, is a huge tower of 30 meters high. It holds its name from the old tannin factory to which it is attached.

It served at the time of evacuation chimney at the factory, but today it is fully part of the landscape. As such, since 2010, lighting has highlighted the Tonnina Tower, as would be a monument.

5. The historic centre of Catanzaro

The historic centre is the essence to visit Catanzaro. This is in addition to the city’s cultural centre. Indeed, between the many places of worship, monuments, museums and theatres, the historic centre of Catanzaro is rich.

The streets of the old town have preserved the tracks of the ancient epochs (grecque, Byzantine,...) and have been built around them.

Despite some tragic events such as earthquakes which Calabria is prone, or bombings, Catanzaro has always been able to rebuild. Today, by visiting the centre of history, take care of these multiple epochs, all infused in the current culture.

6. The churches of Catanzaro

Catanzaro is a city with multiple churches. In the old city as on the seafront, the churches pullulent, all with a different charm and architecture.

That said, some of them are more worth the detour than others, whether for their architecture or history.

So, if you can, stop at the Church San Giovanni Battista (XIVth century), one of the most important in the city for centuries.

Of course, you will not always find ancient churches. Indeed, several of these buildings are quite modern, characterized by a clean architecture: the Church della Santa Famiglia or the Church Church dell’Osservanza .

7. The Bellavista perspective

South of the historic centre, don't miss Bellavista's point of view. It is actually a terrace along the road Via F. de. Seta .

It offers you a splendid view of the entire Catanzaro horizon: the sea, the valleys, and even beyond. It is a stop to mark to enjoy the view, especially at sunset, because the colors will not be the same!

8. Villa Margherita

Villa Margherita is located in the heart of a public garden with its name. It is in fact the oldest garden in Catanzaro, still rising to 320 metres above sea level.

First private, he became accessible to the public in 1881, on the occasion of the visit of Marguerite de Savoie, queen of Italy, who gave him his name. The garden itself is luxuriant, with lots of greenery but also many cultural pieces, such as the sculpture of the bust of Bernardino Grimaldi.

It is very pleasant to go there, in addition to being able to observe, from time to time, the horizon on the Ionian Sea.

The Filippo do Nobili library was transferred to the site after an incident in 1958, and an important provincial museum is also managed, Villa Margherita .

9. The Parco Archeologico di Scolacium

Less than a kilometre from Catanzaro, in the commune of Borgia, remains dating from the Greek and Roman periods were found. They testify to the very ancient activity of the Corace valley, the neighbouring river of Catanzaro.

The Parco Acheologico di Scolacium So there are vestiges of paved streets, mausoleums, basilica, and even a thermal power plant. But what is most important is the theatre, which has remained in good condition of conservation.

How to get to Catanzaro?

We could advise you to drive to Catanzaro. It is indeed feasible, if it is done as part of a road trip. Otherwise, it might make you a lot of road.

You will have to follow the Highway A1 one of the most borrowed from the country, to Naples . Then he E 45 to the foot of the boot. It is important to take into account the distance and duration of the journey that may be long.

There is no airport in Catanzaro, but the airport of Lamezia Terme is 30 minutes away while the journey is 30 minutes away Reggio de Calabre is at 1.50. Find the perfect flight by looking for the best deals on a comparison site of flights like Skyscanner .

You will need to rent a car once on site or take a regional train. Because indeed there is one train station in Catanzaro at the coastal area. This station is serviced mainly by the Italian regional trains, whose network is rather well engaged. However, the schedules can vary a lot, you can first find out.

In summary, the easiest will be to come aircraft then opt for one car rental , because visiting Catanzaro will be much easier if you are vehicular. This, especially because the city is divided into two separate areas of several kilometers. In addition, you can more easily, and at your own pace, discover the beautiful surroundings!

Where to stay in Catanzaro?

For an authentic experience, find accommodation in the historic centre of Catanzaro . In addition to enjoying the view, you can enjoy the nightlife, very famous around the corner.

Seafront fans will also love a lot the neighbourhoods of the Catanzaro Lido the coastal part of the city. Here too, nightlife is very dynamic, guaranteeing you pleasant evenings.

Catanzaro is a city frequented by tourists, so the offer of accommodation is quite wide : hotels, Airbnb , guest rooms... It will be according to your preferences and budget. In this regard, do not hesitate to take a look at a site Compare hotels to find the accommodation that best suits you.