Discover Portigliola: Ancient Theater and Mediterranean Maquis

Portigliola combines ancient sites, local culture, and Mediterranean landscapes. The Greco-Roman Theater, the Archaeological Park, Fortezza Castellace, the parish church, and the trails through the maquis each offer their own focus. Those interested in cultural history will encounter Greek and Roman traces, later local history, and a specific festival event here.

Ancient Layers in the Theater

The Greco-Roman Theater of Portigliola dates back to the 4th century BC and is located in the Archaeological Park of Locri Epizefiri. During the Roman period, it was extensively rebuilt. Cultural events and performances take place in the theater, including the classical theater festival “Tra Mito e Storia.” Its construction history thus leads from Greek antiquity into the Roman period, while events and performances provide a distinct cultural focus.

Archaeological Park and Locri Epizefiri

The Archaeological Park preserves remains of temples, walls, necropolises, and paved streets. The park is set in an impressive rural landscape and is closely connected with nearby ancient Locri Epizefiri, one of the most important colonies founded by the Greeks in southern Italy. In the park, temples and walls stand alongside necropolises and paved streets; the preserved features therefore range from structures to roads and burial sites. The rural surroundings accompany these archaeological traces as a visible landscape.

Fortezza Castellace and Mediterranean Maquis

Fortezza Castellace is an ancient structure of great historical and archaeological importance. It was built on Greek foundations. Hiking trails through the Mediterranean maquis lead to Fortezza Castellace. Along the way, the maquis remains the landscape setting, while the Greek foundations mark the structure’s historical connection. Here, the trails link a specific type of landscape with an ancient structure.

Parish Church and Access

The parish church of Portigliola is also part of the town’s history. The earthquake of 1783 almost completely destroyed it. The parish church has a ramp providing wheelchair access. The destruction caused by the earthquake and the ramp thus concern two aspects of the same building: its history and wheelchair access.

San Leonardo and Local Festival Culture

Another cultural highlight is the celebration of San Leonardo in Portigliola. On November 9 and 10, 2025, it combined religious and civic rituals. The festivities included processions, fireworks, and concerts. The celebration thus extended over two consecutive days in November. Processions, fireworks, and concerts give the festival different forms, which encompass civic elements alongside religious rituals.

Getting to Portigliola

When traveling from the direction of Reggio Calabria, Portigliola is approximately 98 km from the Strada Statale 106; this figure indicates an approximate distance. For rail travel, the route runs via Rome, Naples, Lamezia Terme, Catanzaro Lido, and Locri. The route therefore includes several stops between Rome and Locri.

Further Places for Regional Orientation

For further orientation, you can also consider San Roberto, Polistena, Bivongi, Roccella Ionica, Pellaro, Oppido Mamertina, Gerace, and Santa Domenica.

For the broader travel overview: Reggio Calabria.