Discover Monasterace: Antiquity, Coast and Tradition

Monasterace can be explored on several levels: In Kaulon, you will encounter evidence of Greek antiquity, while the castle, town gates and paintings continue the history of the town. There is also a stretch of beach, the hills of Campomarzo and processions with their own religious tradition. When choosing a holiday apartment in Monasterace, these different focuses can shape your plans – depending on whether you want to combine cultural discoveries, walks in nature or special feast days.

Holiday Apartment in Monasterace: Culture, Coast and Trails

An important attraction is the Kaulon Archaeological Park in Monasterace Marina. It is located near the Punta Stilo promontory on the site of the ancient colonial center of Kaulon, which was founded by Achaean Crotonians. The park contains the remains of a Doric peripteral temple dating from 470 to 460 BC. A stay in Monasterace therefore takes you to a place where the history of an ancient settlement is directly connected with distinctive architectural remains.

Another outstanding find is the bronze inscription tablet Tabula Cauloniensis. It contains a dedication to Zeus in the Achaean alphabet and dates from 470 to 460 BC. The Casa del Drago in Kaulon takes its name from the dragon motif of a mosaic that originally lay at the threshold of a banquet hall and is now exhibited in the museum. The Terme di Nannon also preserve a remarkable detail: their mosaic floor depicts the motif “Dragons and Dolphins” and is dated to the time of Agathocles of Syracuse, between 316 and 289 BC. Guided tours with archaeologists and local guides are planned for the Terme di Nannon.

The Castello di Monasterace is a medieval castle with Byzantine, Norman and feudal historical connections. It was built between the 10th and 11th centuries during the Byzantine occupation as a defense system against Saracen raids. The present structure dates largely from the 16th century. The square layout, four corner towers and a central courtyard give the castle its clearly recognizable form. The historic center of Monasterace also contains four massive medieval town gates. The Parrocchiale di S. Croce preserves paintings from the 18th century.

Coast and Walks in Nature

Among Monasterace’s natural and scenic attractions is a stretch of beach north of the town, on the border with Guardavalle. Another distinctive structure is the Punta Stilo lighthouse in Monasterace. It was put into operation in 1895 and is located in the hamlet of Castellone, north of the marina settlement. When planning a holiday apartment in Monasterace, you can therefore combine cultural destinations with impressions of the coastal landscape without limiting your stay to a single type of excursion.

For quieter days in nature, the hills of Campomarzo are suitable for outings and walks. This landscape complements the archaeological and historical destinations with an active way of experiencing Monasterace that is not limited to sights in the town center. The location of your accommodation can sensibly be matched with your preferred daily rhythm: cultural sites, coastal scenery and trails offer different focal points.

Processions and Local Traditions

A cunfrunta di Pasqua is an Easter tradition in Monasterace that includes a procession. Another celebration firmly anchored in the annual calendar is Madonna di Porto Salvo. It takes place on the last Sunday in June. As part of the celebration, the statue of the Madonna is transported by boat in a procession; it is accompanied by a traditional Mass that extends through the streets of the town center.

Monasterace also hosts a procession held every three years in honor of Saint Andrea Avellino, the patron saint of Monasterace. It covers approximately 20 kilometers through the entire municipal area of Monasterace and passes through fields, fiumare and old paths. The areas of countryside it crosses include the Fiumara Assi, which is often crossed on foot. For travel planning that accommodates different interests, these traditions offer a different way of approaching the town than the ancient structures or walks in Campomarzo.

Guidance for Planning Your Trip

Monasterace Borgo can be reached via the SS 106 and/or the Ionian Railway. This connection can be a practical planning factor when choosing a holiday apartment in Monasterace if you want to combine your stay with visits to the Borgo, outings in nature or special feast days. The town’s former name also adds a local touch: Monasterace was formerly known as Monte Arachi, which was associated with the production of veccie and legumes.

If you would like to extend your travel ideas beyond Monasterace, you can choose from further destinations: Martone, Polistena, Pellaro, Riace Marina, Cittanova, Brancaleone Superiore, Motta San Giovanni and Gallico.

For the overarching travel overview: Reggio Calabria.