Holiday apartment in Drapia: History, Festivals and Landscape

Drapia combines Greek-Byzantine history, impressive cultural traces, festivals and landscape experiences.

Holiday apartment in Drapia: Discover history and landscape

Drapia is an ancient settlement of Greek-Byzantine origin dating from the 8th to the 10th century. Castello Galluppi is an important historical reference point: it was the summer residence of the philosopher Pasquale Galluppi. A commemorative plaque at Castello Galluppi also recalls the visit of the future Pope John XXIII on 4 November 1923. Both references make the castle a tangible gateway to the history of the area, without leaving the past merely abstract.

The view from the lookout point is also part of Drapia’s character. From there, you can see the “Costa degli Dei” Regional Marine Park. During a stay, therefore, the focus is not only on individual buildings, but also on the transition from the town to the seascape. This gives you a choice when planning your trip between historical pursuits, views and regional discoveries.

Festivals, wine and living traditions

The Sagra del Vino in Drapia has a fixed date: it takes place on 10 August, and wine from Drapia can be sampled at this festival. The Sagra da Sujaca includes the dance of the giants Mata e Grifone. These two festivals represent different cultural points of connection and give travel planning a special rhythm.

Carìa between paths, churches and art

The Cammino di Ulisse begins and ends at Castello Galluppi and leads from Carìa down to the Fiumara Ruffa. The Chiesa della Trasfigurazione in Carìa dates from 1660 and has an inlaid marble tabernacle from the former San Sergio e Bacco monastery. The Santuario della Madonna del Carmelo in Carìa dates from 1906 and is a centre of popular devotion.

The local history of art also includes the Madonna del Carmine Chapel. A canvas commissioned from Ignazio Sambiase of Pizzo in 1953 adorns its ceiling. The Madonna del Carmine Chapel was built in 1897. Dates, sacred spaces and the work of an artist from Pizzo provide several concrete points of reference for a culturally oriented stay.

Ruins and early monastic history

Torre Galli is the ruin of the former residence of the Galli family. Above Gasponi, the remains of the Madonna del Cardillo church stand on a hill; the first records of the church date from 1451. Below the present-day area of Carìa, the remains of the ancient Sant’Isidoro monastery are located at the site known as “Santu Sidaru”. The Sant’Isidoro monastery was founded in the 8th century by Basilian ascetics.

Another historic site is the Grotta di San Leo. It is difficult to access and lies on a steep slope of the Fiumara Ruffa. The first four frescoes in the grotto probably date from the 16th century; another fresco is attributed to the 11th century. Its difficult accessibility distinguishes this destination from the other cultural traces and is an important consideration when planning your own excursion.

The Chiesa di San Cosma e Damiano in Brattirò is one of the attractions associated with Drapia. Together with Castello Galluppi, the churches in Carìa, the ruins near Gasponi and the monastic area of Santu Sidaru, it creates a multifaceted picture of local history, sacred architecture, art and regional traditions.

More places to discover

More places to discover: Cessaniti, Torre Marino, Francavilla Angitola, Serra San Bruno, Pizzo, San Calogero, Paravati, Capistrano

For the overarching travel overview: Vibo Valentia.