Stilo

Nestled on the rocky slopes of Monte Consolino is Stilo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. This quaint treasure trove contains the greatest Byzantine treasures of the entire southern part of the region, offering the chance to admire influences from the ancient Eastern Roman Empire

Wandering around the village

In the past, the heart of the village could be accessed via the 5 gates that formed part of the ancient city walls. Today, few traces remain other than the Porta Stefanina, which is still intact, adjacent to a round tower on one side and on the other to the wall of the Chiesa di San Domenico, built in 1600 at the behest of Tommaso Campanella. The ideal starting point for exploring Stilo is the main piazza, where the Baroque-style Chiesa di San Francesco is located, along with the bronze monument dedicated to the philosopher and author of “Città del Sole”(“The City of the Sun”), with traces of the house in which he was born still standing. A maze of alleyways, lined with traditional interconnected houses, leads to the greatest historical and artistic attractions of the city, known for being one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Of particular interest is the Duomo (Cathedral), also known as the mother church. In late-Baroque style, it was reconstructed after the violent earthquake of 1783. One stand-out is the ogival Gothic portal, which safeguards the monumental altarpiece by Caracciolo.  Of considerable interest is the Abbazia di San Giovanni Therestis. Observing over the town centre from Monte Consolino are the remains of the Castello Normanno, from where a breath-taking view overlooking the sea and mountains can be enjoyed. Continuing along, we come to the Fontana dei Delfini or Fontana Gebbia, the Chiesa di San Nicola and finally, the unmissable Cattolica di Stilo. Nestled within a beautiful natural landscape, the Cattolica can be reached by a short walk. This is the most evident and majestic demonstration of how the village has become imbued with Byzantinism throughout the centuries. Not far from this town rich in life and history is the Ferdinandea, an estate extending across 3,600 hectares, the first holiday resort of Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies, and then headquarters of the Regie Ferriere.

Stilo all year round

Thanks to its strategic position between sea and mountain, Stilo offers evocative experiences to visitors both during the warmers seasons and in the cooler periods. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and trekking, with two of the most popular itineraries being those with the Castello Normanno and the Cascate del Marmarico as protagonists. In addition to the inimitable landscapes, the path leading to the fortress also offers the opportunity to admire the famous lauree, the caves in which the monastic communities took refuge, leaving behind an abundance of frescoes. The Cascate del Marmarico, being the highest waterfalls in Calabria and the Southern Apennines, are located along the upper course of the Stilaro river near the town of Bivongi, around fifteen kilometres from Stilo. The challenging uphill path is characterised by the perfumes, colours and sounds of uncontaminated nature. Exertion is rewarded by an exclusive panorama and possibly by a refreshing dip in the freshwater. During the summer, on the first Sunday of August, Stilo takes on a Renaissance feel, with the evocative celebration of the Palio di Ribusa. In the past, this event represented the extraordinary occasion on which all social classes could freely trade their wares without having to follow the rules imposed by the feudatories. Today, the inhabitants of Stilo embody their ancestors from the 500-600s, with the city populated by knights, dames, jesters, craftsmen, swordsmen and fire-eaters. Even the flavours hark back to those of the Renaissance. Held after a series of parades is the traditional and exciting contest between the knights representing the historic houses of the Contea di Stilo.