Archaeological marvels and a crystal-clear sea

Lonian Sea in the Gulf of Squillace From the Parco Archeologico della Roccelletta park in Borgia to Cape Colonna, this journey looks at the history of Calabria by travelling through its tourist destinations

and along the charming coasts of the Ionian Sea in the Gulf of Squillace.The Parco Archeologico della Roccelletta park in Borgia (in the province of Catanzaro) is where the Greek colony of Skylletion rose. Excavations have brought to light structures from various eras such as a theatre and Roman forum, and the basilica of Santa Maria della Roccella of Norman origin (1060 AD).  No walls of ancient Skylletion have been uncovered as the Roman city is on top of it, but several pottery finds were discovered from the 6th, 5th and 4th centuries BC. The Antiquarium is located in the park. It is home to several finds from the area, including a marvellous series of statues and portraits from the Imperial Age (1st - 3rd centuries AD).The Roman forum includes a paved rectangular area surrounded by porticoes. Excavations have already brought to light a Caesareum, Curia and thermal wing. A small temple, monumental fountain and tribunal are also visible.
The Roman theatre (1st and 2nd centuries AD) - which can seat about 3,000 people - was built on a hill where an amphitheatre from the 2nd century AD was identified (the only one in Calabria) along with 3 thermal areas, 1 necropolis and an aqueduct.Continuing along the road that runs alongside the Ionian Sea in the direction of Crotone, and crossing the marvellous tourist destinations of Sellia Marina and Botricello, you reach Le Castella in Isola Capo Rizzuto, the location of the homonymous protected marine area. Its uniqueness and location: Built on an islet in 204 BC when condottiere Hannibal stayed in the area inhabited by Arabs and Aragonese, it is connected to the coast by a thin strip of land. In ancient times, Le Castella wasn’t the only castle in the area and the plural name Le indicates there were several fortifications here. 10 km south of Crotone on the promontory overlooking the Ionian coast of Cape Colonna (called Heraion Lakinion by the ancient Greeks) is the Parco Archeologico of Capo Colonna, which covers an area of 30 hectares. The area of Lakinion Akron - one of the most well-known sacred places in all of Magna Graecia - revolved around the sanctuary of Hera Lacinia. The true temple had the classical shape of Greek temples: a majestic complex with 48 Doric columns over 8 metres high and comprising 8 concave grooves. The roof was made with marble slabs and Parian marble tiles.

From  / ITALIA website