Holiday apartment in Squillace: Culture, Ceramics and Beaches

Squillace combines historic buildings, a family craft tradition and an intact pine forest within a short distance of the sea. Historic churches and castles stand alongside the ceramics workshop in Squillace, the Cammino di Cassiodoro and beaches in the surrounding area.

Historic buildings on the hill and in the surrounding area

The Castello Normanno of Squillace stands at the highest point of the hill. The Normans built it in the second half of the 11th century. In Squillace, the historic buildings date from the 11th to the 13th century. The Concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta was built in the 11th century at the behest of Count Roger I and was elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 2015. The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà, built in the 13th century, also offers an example of Gothic architecture in Calabria.

The Castello di Squillace is located in the immediate vicinity of Squillace. The Palazzo baronale Zolea, the archaeological park Parco Archeologico di Scolacium and the Museo Archeologico Tolone Azzariti are located in the surrounding area of Squillace. The Chiesa di San Pietro Apostolo is also known as the Chiesa del Carmine and became the parish church after the earthquake of 1783. The Santuario Madonna del Ponte was built in 1724. Visits to the Museo Diocesano d'Arte Sacra di Catanzaro-Squillace in Squillace are possible with prior reservation.

Ceramics as a distinctive tradition of Squillace

The Ceramiche Artistiche e Tradizionali di Squillace workshop continues a family craft tradition. Traditional objects and household items are still made there using old techniques. Squillace's ceramic tradition uses a Byzantine-influenced technique involving engobe and sgraffito decoration, characterized by a warm dark red hue. Alongside the historic churches and buildings, the ceramics therefore represent a distinct cultural focus of Squillace.

Pine forest, Cammino di Cassiodoro and beaches

In Squillace Lido, the Cammino di Cassiodoro passes through the protected Oasi di Scolacium area. This area is an intact pine forest within a short distance of the sea. In Squillace Lido, the landscape between the forest and the coast forms part of the route.

The Ponte del Diavolo has a large opening associated with the legend surrounding the devil; according to tradition, it has withstood the winter floods for many centuries.

Spiaggia di Squillace Lido is located in the surrounding area of Squillace; Spiaggia Caminia, Spiaggia di Montepaone and Spiaggia di Villaggio le Roccelle are also located there. This selection complements the cultural and historical attractions with days by the sea.

More places for planning your trip

For further orientation, you can also explore Copanello, Gasperina, Falerna, Badolato, Cropani Marina, Andali, Carlopoli and Soverato Marina.

For the overarching travel overview: Catanzaro.