Pizzo, Italian comune in province of Vibo Valentia
Pizzo is a small coastal town in the Province of Vibo Valentia in Calabria, sitting on a high cliff above the sea. The town features narrow winding streets with houses built close together and red-tiled roofs, a fishing harbor with boats, and a main square that juts into the sea like a ship's bow.
Pizzo was built on the ruins of the ancient city of Napitia, founded by Greek settlers from Phocaea and destroyed around the year 300. After pirate raids destroyed it, the town was rebuilt around the year 900 at a new protected location, where it developed through fishing, trade, and later rule by various kingdoms including the Aragonese.
The name Pizzo refers to its position on a high cliff overlooking the sea. The town remains shaped by fishing families who repair nets in the morning and bring fresh catch to the harbor, reflecting how daily life and connection to the water define the community.
The narrow alleys and steep pathways require comfortable walking shoes, with various viewpoints offering sea views over the town. The harbor and beaches are easily reached on foot, with the best time to visit being the warmer months when the sea is calm and the air carries scents of orange blossoms and salt.
The town is famous for its Tartufo di Pizzo, a rich, chocolatey ice cream with a soft center made by local artisans that sets it apart from other Italian ice cream varieties. Visitors report that this dessert becomes an unforgettable taste experience after a day at the beach or a walk through the narrow streets.
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