Stilo, Commune in the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, Calabria, Italy
Stilo is a hilltop commune in the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, in southern Italy's Calabria region. It sits roughly 1,300 feet (400 meters) above sea level, enclosed by the Stilaro and Allaro valleys and sheltered by Mount Cozzolino.
The land around Stilo was once part of Kaulon, an ancient Greek city destroyed in early conflicts. In the Middle Ages, Norman rulers left their mark, including a castle built to guard the valley and the coastline below.
The name Stilo comes from the Greek word for column, a reminder of the area's ancient roots. Every August, the town holds the Palio di Ribusa, a festival where residents re-enact events from the town's past.
Stilo sits on a steep hill with narrow streets, so comfortable shoes and a readiness to walk uphill are a good idea. Most of the town's main sights can be reached on foot, as the historic center is compact.
The coastline nearby owes its nickname to jasmine, which once grew there in large numbers and whose scent filled summer evenings. Above the village, hidden in a cave, is the small sanctuary of the Grotta della Madonna della Pastorella, easy to miss on a quick visit.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
