Limbadi
Vibo Valentia: a city with an important historical past
Vibo Valentia, also known as Monteleone di Calabria until 1928, is an Italian municipality with 31,123 inhabitants located in Calabria, of which it is the capital of the province. The strategic position of the city, nestled on the slope of a hill, has had historical importance since the times of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. The city dominates the hinterland, the mountain range of the Serre Calabresi, and the coastal area with its port and tourist resorts.
The physical geography of Vibo Valentia
Territory
The territory of the city of Vibo Valentia extends over a large scaly hill terrace. The highest point of the municipality reaches 567 meters above sea level, while the city center is located at an altitude of 476 meters. The inhabitants are mostly concentrated in the commercial area located on the hill and in the fraction of Vibo Marina.
Hydrography
The most important river in the municipal territory of Vibo Valentia is the Mesima, which rises at the foot of Mount Mazzucolo and flows into the Mediterranean Sea. There are also numerous "fiumare" (dry riverbeds) that flow through the municipal territory, including that of Sant'Anna and Trainiti.
Climate
The climate of Vibo Valentia is pleasant, never too cold, and often indulges in sunny days that reach 20°C. During the summer, the temperature usually does not exceed 30°C, but the humidity can be high.
History of Vibo Valentia
Vibo Valentia corresponds to the ancient "Hipponion" (Ἱππώνιον), an important city of Magna Graecia. Later, the Roman Empire colony of "Valentia" was founded. It was a fortified center under the control of the Byzantine Empire during the High Middle Ages and later passed under Norman control. As "Monteleone," Vibo Valentia was also the capital of Calabria Ulteriore from 1582 to 1593 and again from 1806 to 1816. In 1992, Vibo Valentia became the capital of the province of Vibo Valentia, following the partition of the province of Catanzaro.
Vibo Valentia and the Coast of the Gods
Vibo Valentia overlooks the Coast of the Gods, one of the most scenic and renowned stretches of the Calabrian coast. The tourist resorts present in the area, such as Tropea and Capo Vaticano, attract many visitors every year from both Italy and abroad. The multi-functional port located in the fraction of Vibo Marina represents an important opportunity for the industrial development of the city.
In conclusion, Vibo Valentia represents a city rich in history and landscape beauty. Its strategic geographical position, its historical and cultural heritage, and its natural beauty make it an unmissable tourist destination for all those who want to discover the wonders of Calabria.
