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On a good day from the highest
point of Vibo Valentia it
is possible to see the Sila
Mountains to the north and
the summit of Etna in Sicily
to the south.
As for the east and west,
the town is the ideal place
to explore central Calabria
as well as the coastal resorts
on both sides of the 'foot'
of Italy.
Its name is a corruption
of 'Veip', 'Hipponion' and
'Valentia', all identities
given to the area at different
times in its history.
Today, it is the provincial
capital and full of imposing
official buildings, from the
Norman castle to numerous
renaissance and baroque churches.
There is a certainly a strong
sense of civic pride in Vibo
Valentia. Do visit the neo-classic
'Chiesa di S. Maria Maggiore'
built in 1680 over the remains
of the patron saint of the
town, S. Leoluca.
There are many witnesses
to previous eras at Vibo Valentia.
Aside from the numerous churches,
Greek, Roman and Norman remains
dot the town.
The Roman Terme and Domus
on via XXV Aprile is a complex
of houses and thermal baths.
The structure still retains
an important mosaic from the
time.
The Greek walls of the old
town used to stretch over
7km. Made from megalithic
stone blocks only 300 meters
is left standing, but the
doors and defensive towers
can still be made out.
The Norman castle has four
towers each built at different
times by different rulers.
The castle is noted for being
the spot where 7 martyrs were
slain for having defended
the town from the impending
take over by the Pignatelli.
The Archaeological Museum
is housed inside. |
