Squillace, Italian comune
Squillace is a small coastal town in Calabria built across three hills and overlooking the Ionian Sea. The settlement features narrow, winding streets lined with stone buildings, with the Norman castle positioned on the highest point commanding views of the surrounding countryside and shoreline.
Squillace's origins trace to antiquity, with Romans establishing the city as Scolacium after taking control from earlier Greek settlers. During the Middle Ages, the settlement faced raids from Saracen forces before Norman conquest in the 11th century, when a castle was built in 1044 to become the administrative heart of the county.
The town's name connects to ancient mythology, with local legend crediting Odysseus or Menelaus as founders. Ceramic making remains a living tradition, with artisans using techniques passed down through generations and creating decorated pieces in white and orange tones that visitors often purchase as souvenirs.
The best visiting season is spring and autumn when weather is comfortable, though summer brings heat alongside beach appeal. The location is easily accessible from the provincial capital Catanzaro and the popular coastal town of Soverato, with quiet streets ideal for walking exploration.
The castle holds the 'Room of the Warriors' featuring two skeleton remains of soldiers from the 13th century discovered during excavations. Additional digs revealed a late antique graveyard, revealing the layered history embedded in the location.
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