Crotone

Crotone is a coastal town in Calabria on the Gulf of Taranto, with medieval fortifications and ancient Greek ruins by the sea. The settlement combines residential neighborhoods and a working harbor with old city walls and a castle standing on a rocky promontory.

Greeks from Achaea founded the settlement in the early 8th century BC as a colony on the Ionian Sea. Over the following centuries the city became a center for trade and philosophy.

The National Archaeological Museum displays numerous artifacts from the Greek period, including items from the Sanctuary of Hera Lacinia.

The old town can be explored on foot, while the beaches south of the center are just a few minutes away. The train station connects the town with other cities along the Calabrian coast.

The philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras spent several decades in the city and founded his school here. His teachings on geometry and harmony attracted students from across the Greek world.

Location: Province of Crotone

Inception: 710 BCE

Elevation above the sea: 8 m

Shares border with: Cutro, Rocca di Neto, Scandale, Strongoli, Isola di Capo Rizzuto

Website: https://comune.crotone.it

GPS coordinates: 39.08333,17.11667

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:01