San Gregorio d'Ippona
All about Vibo Valentia: the city nestled on the Coast of the Gods
Vibo Valentia, also known as Monteleone until 1863, is a city located on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria. With its 31,123 inhabitants, Vibo Valentia is the capital of the homonymous province.
Physical geography
The city is situated on the slope of a hill, giving it a strategic position and a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, both on the mountain range of the Serre Calabresi and on the coast. To reach the port of Vibo Marina village, it is necessary to use public or private transportation.
The territory of the city of Vibo Valentia extends over a large hilly terracing and develops on the plain in the coastal area. The municipality reaches its highest altitude at 567 meters above sea level in the highest part of the city, and the town hall is located at an altitude of 476 meters.
The city's three main concentrations of industrial activities are located near the Airport area, near Porto Salvo (adjacent to Vibo Marina), thanks to the presence of the multipurpose port and railway station, and finally, at the border with Maierato. The highest population concentration, however, is located inside the city on the hill.
Hydrography
The municipal territory is crossed by numerous rivers and streams, including the Mesima, Sant'Anna, and Trainiti. The Mesima, the most important river, rises at the foot of Mount Mazzucolo and flows behind the Norman-Swabian castle. The river flows into the Mediterranean Sea north of San Ferdinando, in a location between Nicotera (VV) and Rosarno (RC).
Climate
The climate of Vibo Valentia is mild and pleasant. It never reaches excessively high temperatures, barely exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, but it is humid and sultry. The situation differs on the coast, where temperatures can reach up to 35 degrees Celsius, but with a much lower humidity level. Sunny days are frequent, and temperatures up to 20 degrees Celsius cannot be excluded even in winter.
History
Vibo Valentia has ancient origins and is also known as Hipponion. The city was already an important center of Magna Graecia before becoming a colony of the Roman Empire of Valentia. During the High Middle Ages, the city was a fortified center of the Byzantine Empire, and then passed under Norman control.
Known until 1863 as Monteleone, the city became the capital of Calabria Ulteriore between 1582 and 1593 and then again between 1806 and 1816. In 1992, following a division of the province of Catanzaro, Vibo Valentia became the capital of the homonymous province.
The Coast of the Gods
Vibo Valentia overlooks the so-called Coast of the Gods, one of the most scenic and renowned stretches of the Calabrian coast. The beaches, of sand or gravel, are framed by cliffs plunging into the sea and lush Mediterranean vegetation.
Among the most famous beaches is that of Tropea, which offers an incredible panorama of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and that of Pizzo Calabro, a charming fishing village.
Art and culture
Vibo Valentia has a rich cultural and artistic heritage. The reference point is undoubtedly the Norman-Swabian castle, positioned like a sentinel over the city. In the historic center, there are also several churches, including the Church of San Michele Arcangelo and the Church of San Giovanni Battista.
The city also hosts various cultural events, including the theatrical festival "Vibo in scena," which offers a program of theatrical and musical performances throughout the year.
Typical cuisine
The cuisine of Vibo Valentia is characterized by the use of fresh and genuine products. Among the most famous dishes are fusilli pasta with 'nduja (spicy salami), cod appetizer, Tropea onion, strong ricotta cheese, and pecorino crotonese cheese.
A dessert not to be missed is the "pitta 'mpigliata", a sort of cake made with honey, almonds, and dark chocolate.
Conclusions
Vibo Valentia is a city that combines the charm of the ancient with the beauty of nature. With its strategic position, its artistic and cultural heritage, and its exquisite cuisine, Vibo Valentia represents a must-see stop for anyone wishing to discover the region of Calabria and its coastline.
