What to see in Sibari, where it is located, short history and itinerary including the main monuments and places of interest, including the Archaeological Museum.
Tourist information
Fraction of Cassano allo Ionio in Calabria and overlooking the Gulf of Taranto, Sibari was founded in 720 BC. about by Achaean colonists.
As usual for the majority of the Greek colonies, Sibari arose in a fertile plain near the sea.
Located between the two rivers Crati and Coscile, Sibari expanded more and more, transforming itself from a simple agricultural settlement into a very rich and powerful city, becoming a market of primary importance capable of competing with the major eastern ports.
With the aim of increasing trade with the Campania and Etruscans, the ports of Lao and Scidro were built on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Due to the great importance reached, Sibari began to jealous the neighboring peoples, in particular the inhabitants of Crotone, to such an extent that in 510 BC. it was completely destroyed by them.
For Pericles' desire, the Pan-Hellenic city of Thourioi was founded in the same place, on a project by Hippodamus from Miletus, who had also built Piraeus, the famous port of Athens.
Thourioi, having to undergo threatening behavior from neighboring populations, found himself in the situation of not being able to give up asking for help from the Romans, thus becoming a Roman colony with the name of Copia.
What see
The inhabited center of Copia survived until the sixth century, then was abandoned due to widespread swamping and a malaria epidemic that decimated the population.
In the archaeological area, the remains of the northern district of Sybaris and those of Copia stand out.
In the National Archaeological Museum of Sibaritide the remains found in the territory where the ancient city stood and in the surrounding area are shown, as well as accessories related to funeral monuments and finds related to the nearby Greek sanctuary of Athena.
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Sibari Beach, which is located near the Foce dei Crati Nature Reserve, is of very fine golden sand and bathed by a crystal clear sea characterized by sandy and sloping seabed, ideal for swimming and water sports.
