Holiday apartment in Terranova Da Sibari: Churches, History and Culinary Delights

Terranova da Sibari combines a hilltop setting, history and regional cuisine. The town is located on a hill like a terrace above the Piana di Sibari, where the ancient city of Sibari stood. There is also a specific reference point for active travel plans: the tenth stage of the Cammino Basiliano begins in Terranova da Sibari at Piazza San Francesco.

Hilltop setting, cultural landscape and regional produce

The landscape around Terranova da Sibari is shaped by more than just the view over the Piana di Sibari. Vines and olive groves continue to be cultivated in the area. As a result, historical references and agricultural traditions that are maintained to this day come together directly.

Churches and sacred art in the townscape

The religious heritage of Terranova da Sibari includes numerous monasteries and around 20 churches. These buildings include the Church of San Nicola, which dates back to 1341. San Nicola Vescovo also houses a canvas painting depicting Saint Nicholas from 1643. The single-nave interior and a wooden coffered ceiling with rosettes from the 16th century add further historical details to the building.

The Church of Sant'Antonio da Padova dates back to 1611, is decorated in the Baroque style and was later enriched with 18th-century stucco work. Its origins are also linked to a specific date and several benefactors: in 1627, it was commissioned by Padre Lorenzo Berlingieri, Don Aloysio and Don Gabriele De Angelis out of devotion to these two holy figures.

Ancient traces and central buildings

Historical traces can also be found outside the churches. The so-called Palazzo del Principe, together with the castle and the attached theatre, stands in a central square in the town. The Stele of Terranova da Sibari is a monolith with visible inscriptions at its base and at its top. The inscriptions at the base are probably attributed to the Classical period; the inscription at the top is probably considered a dedication to Corrado Pirro. The first urban development of Terranova da Sibari is associated with the ancient city of Copia Thurii.

The religious tradition also includes the Passione Vivente, which reached its 51st edition in April 2025. At Castello Spinelli, only the surrounding walls built from local stone remain; Castello Spinelli is used as a private residence.

Clementines and a dish that defines local identity

The Piana di Sibari, and Terranova da Sibari in particular, are growing areas for characteristic clementines. The local cuisine also includes Lagane, ceci e finocchietto selvatico: in December 2022, this dish was regarded as a symbol of local identity in Terranova da Sibari.

How to get to Terranova da Sibari

The Tarsia Nord–Spezzano Terme exit on the A2 Autostrada del Mediterraneo, also known as the Salerno–Reggio Calabria motorway, is located, according to one distance measurement, 9.93 km from the centre of Terranova da Sibari.

Other places in the region

Other places in the region: Villapiana, Bisignano, Cassano Allo Ionio, Grisolia, Cariati, Fagnano Castello, San Demetrio Corone and Acquappesa Cs.

More about the region: Cosenza.