CALABRIA

Territory: It is the extreme south-western region of Italy, washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea and the lonian. It is an essentially mountainous region, with a high central Apennine ridge, which crosses it lengthwise. The mountain slopes are overgrown with thick woods. The coastlines present landscapes of wild beauty.

Cities: The regional capital is Catanzaro. Reggio Calabria is the seat of the Regional Council. Cosenza, Crotone and Vibo Valentia are the other important cities.

Art: The region has a rich heritage of remains from the local artistic civilization: archaeologic excavations have brought to light ancient colonies in Sibari, Crotone, Catanzaro, Locri, Vibo Valentia. In Cosenza and Reggio Calabria, we can find remains of the Roman Age, such as baths, theaters and bridges. The religious buildings show Byzantine influences, dating back to the period when the region was part of the Empire of Byzantium. The Gothic style had a large diffusion during the thirteenth century. The Renaissance style is present in the paintings. The Baroque influence can be seen in several monuments.

Museums: Catanzaro's ProvincialMuseum houses outstanding relics, from the Neolithic period to the Greek-Roman Age, and a remarkable collection of coins. In Reggio Calabria, the National Museum holds one of the most important archaeologic collection in Italy: Paleolithic, Byzantine and Arab art, relics of the Bronze and Iron Ages, tomb outfits, pictorial tables and the world famous Bronzes of Riace, the two great bronze statues of warriors of the fifth century B.B. In Cosenza, one can visit the Museo Interdiocesano, with the treasure of the Cathedral, and the CivicMuseum with prehistoric bronzes, Paleolithic manufactured goods and instruments.

To be visited: Tourists can make excursions to the Sila district and its lakes. Moreover, there are Villa San Giovanni (on the straits of Messina), Sibari, Crotone and the isle of Capo Rizzuto.