Tropea, Medieval commune in Calabria, Italy
Tropea is a medieval commune in the Province of Vibo Valentia, Calabria, extending across a sandstone cliff that rises 61 meters above the Tyrrhenian Sea. Narrow lanes connect the two levels of the settlement, leading from the higher center down to the beaches along the water.
Archaeological findings document Greek tombs and a Roman port named Formicoli at this coastal location. The settlement later experienced occupations by Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Aragonese, which shaped the urban fabric.
The Norman cathedral houses a Byzantine painting of the Virgin Mary that, according to local belief, arrived mysteriously by sea during a storm. Residents gather regularly for religious celebrations within this church space.
The international airport of Lamezia Terme provides access to the region, reachable with regular train connections from the stations of Vibo Valentia and Pizzo. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear for steep stairways and paths between the two levels of the settlement.
The monastery of Santa Maria dell'Isola sits atop a limestone outcrop connected to land by a narrow path, forming a natural fortress above the sea. Earlier monks used this isolated rock as a protected retreat.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
