Cassano Allo Ionio: Archaeology, Thermal Baths and Coast

Cassano Allo Ionio combines sacred architecture, ancient history, thermal springs, caves and coastal landscapes into a destination with an unusually wide range of different highlights. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Cassano Allo Ionio, you can therefore shape your holiday days according to your interests: between archaeological discoveries, peaceful natural settings, cultural events and regional traditions.

Culture and history between the basilica and Sibari

The cathedral of Cassano all'Jonio, dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Francis in November 2014. Its elegant façade was built in 1795 under Bishop Coppola in a restrained Baroque style. The Torre Campanaria was built in 1608 and comprises four storeys, topped by a belfry. No special access requirements or admission fee are indicated for visiting the Torre Campanaria.

Another focal point is the Parco Archeologico di Sibari, a multifaceted archaeological area spanning more than ten centuries of history. Monumental buildings of Copiae can be seen there, including the semicircular theatre, the thermal baths, residential buildings, the northern gate and the final section of the city walls. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale della Sibaritide preserves and presents finds from the local archaeological area and the wider Sibaritide region. The exhibits trace the social, economic and cultural development of the region and range from finds belonging to indigenous communities from the period before Greek colonisation to evidence from the later Greek and Roman phases.

The art history of the region is also the focus of the Museo Diocesano: on display are panel paintings, statues and large-format works, predominantly by southern Italian artists. Palazzo Viafora retains its original structure with a restrained Baroque façade, pilasters and Corinthian capitals. Since 18 December 2011, the building has housed the Casa Museo Palazzo Viafora, with 19th-century furniture, historical books and newspapers, trousseau items and contemporary household objects. The Teatro Comunale was built in 1921, restored to its original theatrical function after renovation and reopened in 2007 with its first theatre season. It has 184 seats: 114 in the stalls and 70 in the boxes.

Nature, thermal baths and coastal landscapes

The Grotte di Sant'Angelo form a karst cave complex of speleological and tourist interest, located directly beside the built-up area of Cassano all'Ionio. The Grotta della Vucc’Ucciardo is a natural cave inside the Grande Pietra del Castello. It has been prepared for public use, and cultural and tourist events take place there throughout the year. In the coastal area of Cassano All'Ionio, several beaches, seaside districts and tourist centres alternate.

The Terme Sibarite have five main springs that emerge side by side over a length of approximately 500 metres. Their waters are classified as hypothermal, sulphurous and moderately mineralised, with a constant temperature of 25 °C. The complex also includes an open-air auditorium, leisure facilities and a park. Alongside archaeology and architectural heritage, Cassano Allo Ionio thus offers a distinct focus on springs and relaxation.

Festivals, regional specialities and stages

The main festival at the Santuario della Madonna della Catena takes place on the second Sunday in May. The customs include a procession in which men and women carry the image of the Madonna on their shoulders. During the festival, participants prepare Vussiniddi: spherical fried crespelle made from flour, yeast, salt and water. For those interested in hikes and routes, stage 08 of the Cammino Basiliano is also relevant; it ends at the Palazzo di Città in Cassano allo Ionio.

Getting there and choosing your holiday apartment

The official route from Salerno to the Parco Archeologico di Sibari leads via the A3 SA-RC motorway, the Sibari exit and the SS 534 towards Contrada Casone and Laghi di Sibari in Cassano All'Ionio. From the Ionian side, the Parco Archeologico di Sibari can be reached via the Battipaglia–Reggio Calabria railway line. This provides a clear planning framework for choosing your holiday apartment or holiday house: you can focus on ancient remains, sacred art, thermal springs, the coast, festivals or a combination of these themes.

Further destinations for your travel planning: San Lorenzo Bellizzi, Cerisano, Croce di Magara, Pagania Vallonecupo, Malito, Palombella, Terme Luigiane, Maierà

For the higher-level travel overview: Cosenza.