Sant'Onofrio
Vibo Valentia: the heart of Calabria
Vibo Valentia is a city located in the Calabria region, in southern Italy. With its 31,123 inhabitants, it is the largest city in the province of Vibo Valentia. In the past, it was an important center of Magna Graecia, called Hipponion, and later a Roman colony called Valentia.
Physical geography
The territory of Vibo Valentia is located in the heart of Calabria, surrounded by the mountains of the Calabrian Serre and overlooking the beautiful Costa degli Dei. The city is located on a large hilly terrace at 476 meters above sea level, although the highest part of the municipality reaches 567 meters above sea level.
The city's position, on top of a slope, makes it a strategic point from which you can admire the entire surrounding region, including coastal cities such as Tropea and Pizzo. The territory of Vibo Valentia is crossed by several rivers, including the Mesima, which rises on the surrounding mountains and flows into the Mediterranean Sea.
Climate
The climate in Vibo Valentia is Mediterranean, characterized by mild winters and hot but not torrid summers. The maximum temperature in summer is around 30°C, but on the coastal areas the temperature can be higher. The winter climate is very mild, with temperatures that rarely drop below 10°C. The weather is usually sunny and rain is rather rare.
The history of Vibo Valentia
Vibo Valentia has a long history dating back to the ancient Greek city of Hipponion. Following the Roman conquest, the city was called Valentia. Over the centuries, Vibo Valentia was ruled by various powers: from the Normans to the Aragonese, from the Bourbons to the birth of the Italian Republic.
In the years after the unification of Italy, Vibo Valentia was the protagonist of a period of great economic expansion thanks to the construction of the railway and the port that favored its development. In 1992, Vibo Valentia became the capital of the homonymous province, following an administrative reform that divided the former province of Catanzaro.
Life in Vibo Valentia
Life in Vibo Valentia is very pleasant thanks to the beauty of the surrounding territory and the presence of numerous commercial, cultural and recreational activities. The city has a good public transport network and offers a wide range of services for all needs.
The historic center of Vibo Valentia has retained its ancient charm, with its narrow and winding streets, medieval architecture, and Baroque palaces. In the historic center is the Norman-Swabian Castle, an ancient fortress built by the Normans in the second half of the twelfth century to protect the city from Saracen attacks.
Vibo Valentia also offers numerous opportunities for leisure and entertainment, both for residents and tourists. On the Costa degli Dei are some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, while in the hinterland you can go for walks, trekking, and visits to ancient villages.
Conclusions
In summary, Vibo Valentia is a city that has much to offer, both in terms of territory and activities offered. Thanks to its strategic position in the heart of Calabria and its long history, this city has a unique and fascinating personality. Coming to visit Vibo Valentia would be an unforgettable experience for anyone who wants to discover the hidden treasures of Calabria.
