Crotone: Archaeology, Marine Conservation and Coastal Culture

Crotone combines archaeological evidence from antiquity with the protected marine area around Capo Colonna. In the Capo Colonna Archaeological Park, the remains of the original temple, cult buildings and the Katagogion from the 4th century BC can be seen. The Capo Colonna Archaeological Museum is divided into three exhibition pavilions: Terra preserves finds from the period of Roman rule, Sacro is dedicated to evidence from the sanctuary’s sacred area, and Mare displays underwater finds. The exhibits also include a Corinthian bronze helmet from the 5th century BC and a marble sculpture of Amore e Psiche, which was found in the coastal waters off Crotone.

Culture

Castello di Carlo V was built in the 9th century on the ruins of the ancient Greek acropolis of Kroton. Inward-facing round towers and bastions oriented towards the sea illustrate the complex’s transformation from medieval to Renaissance military architecture. Castello di Carlo V also has tunnels and a secret exit called “Le Sette Porte”.

The Museo e Giardini di Pitagora uses information panels, installations and educational content to explain how strongly Pythagoras’s thinking influenced Western culture. The Santuario di Santa Maria di Capo Colonna houses the icon of the Madonna di Capo Colonna, dating from the 10th or 11th century and known as the “Black Madonna”. The sanctuary’s Cappella Epifania also contains a 13th-century baptismal font.

The palaces Palazzo Suriano Ora Albani, Palazzo Berlingieri, Casa Zurlo and Casa Turano are located in the immediate vicinity of Crotone.

Nature and Sea

The sea around Capo Colonna belongs to Zone A, the area of integral protection within the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area. Swimming and guided underwater tours with the support of local diving centres are permitted in the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area. Sailing and rowing are also permitted, as is motorised navigation at a maximum of 5 knots.

I Calanchi are clay landscapes that formed millions of years ago and are shaped by water erosion. The beaches Spiaggia di Crotone and Spiaggia di Zigari I are located in the immediate vicinity of Crotone. The beaches Spiaggia Lido kika and Spiaggia di Gabella III are also located in the area around Crotone.

Routes and Cuisine

Visit Crotone presents the destination through five thematic routes connecting archaeological sites, coastal landscapes, places of worship and historic villages. Sardella crotonese is considered a typical dish that can be tasted in Crotone.

Other Places

Other places in the Crotone travel region include Caccuri, Cirò Marina, Petilia Policastro, Isola Di Capo Rizzuto, Santa Severina, Crotone, Cutro, Steccato, Le Castella, Torre Melissa, Cotronei, Belvedere Di Spinello, Melissa, San Nicola Dell'alto, Roccabernarda, Marina Di Strongoli, Torretta, Sant'Anna, Strongoli and San Leonardo di Cutro.

For the higher-level travel overview: Calabria.