Soverato

Discovering the Province of Catanzaro

Are you ready to discover the Province of Catanzaro? Located in the Calabria region, this Italian province boasts a surface area of 2,391 km² and a population of 340,679 inhabitants. The capital city is Catanzaro, but the province shares borders with other provinces such as Cosenza, Crotone, Reggio Calabria, and Vibo Valentia.

Physical Geography

Discover the province of Catanzaro: among natural beauty, history, culture, and tradition.

Territory

The territory of this province is a mix of unique features. On one side, it is bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, while on the other side, it shares borders with the Sila to the north, the Calabrian Serre to the south, and the Ionian Sea to the east. The distinctiveness of the Province of Catanzaro is represented by the isthmus, a narrow valley approximately 30 km long that connects the two gulfs of Squillace and Sant'Eufemia, and represents the narrowest point of the entire Italian peninsula.

Moreover, thanks to clear days, it's possible to simultaneously see the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Ionian Sea, the Aeolian Islands, and often the majestic and imposing peak of Mount Etna.

Hydrography

The Province of Catanzaro boasts numerous waterways that flow through its territory. Among the main ones, we find the Alli River, Amato River, Corace River, Savuto River, and Ancinale River. But it is not only rivers that characterize the hydrographic geography of the province, there are also beautiful lakes to admire, such as Ampollino Lake and Passante Lake.

History

But what is the history behind the Province of Catanzaro? In ancient times, this territory was inhabited by the Vituli, a population that worshiped the calf's statue. Over the centuries, the province was under the domination of the Romans, Byzantines, Normans, and Swabians.

The current provincial territory extends over what was once the Province of Calabria Ultra, established during the Norman-Swabian period.

What to Visit

The Province of Catanzaro offers many attractions to visit. Among the points of interest, we find the archeological museum of Scolacium located in the archeological area of Roccelletta di Borgia, the Florense Abbey located in the San Floro fraction, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the mother church of the diocese of Catanzaro-Squillace.

But the Province of Catanzaro also offers much more, such as the archeological site of Scylletium, the Soverato nature reserve, and the village of villages, Serra San Bruno.

Local Cuisine

The Province of Catanzaro is also famous for its varied and delicious local cuisine. Among the most delicious dishes, we find the famous bread of Serra San Bruno, the nduja of Spilinga, the chili pepper of Diamante, and the blue fish of Catanzaro. But you cannot visit the Province of Catanzaro without tasting the famous Pizzo truffle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Province of Catanzaro represents a perfect mix of natural beauty, history, culture, and tradition. Among its stunning landscapes and tourist attractions to visit, this corner of Italy is perfect for those seeking relaxation and adventure to discover one of the most beautiful and suggestive provinces in our peninsula. Come and discover the Province of Catanzaro, you won't regret it!

Laura De Luca
Wrote by Laura De Luca
Updated Saturday, Feb 11, 2023