What to see in Tropea, itinerary including the main monuments and places of interest, including the Norman Cathedral, the Church of San Francesco and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola.
Tourist information
Located in Calabria in the province of Vibo Valentia, Tropea rises steeply above the sea, on the granite rock promontory of Mount Poro, located between the Gulf of Gioia Tauro and that of Sant’Eufemia.
Tropea's origins date back to the Roman period, according to a legend it was Hercules who founded it, while returning from Spain.
Nicknamed "Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea", Tropea has become over the years a highly appreciated holiday destination, thanks to its privileged position, as well as for the artistic and natural attractions that surround it.
The historic center, which is located on a rock overlooking the sea, has in front of it the small island home to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola, dating back to before 370 AD.
In the past, the islet had no connection with the mainland, but now it is possible to reach it by following a staircase carved in the rock.
Once reached the religious building it is possible to have, from the garden that surrounds it, a suggestive view of the entire coastal strip.
The village of Tropea is characterized by narrow streets, squares and churches.
What see
The Norman Cathedral, dating from the twelfth century and remodeled several times over the course of time, has a facade with a beautiful pointed arch portal and dominated by a rose window.
In the interior with three naves, some works of art are preserved, including the fifteenth-century black Crucifix, made of wood, present in the second chapel on the left, the image of the Madonna of Romania, placed in the central part of the apse, the Madonna del Popolo, visible in the apse on the right, and the bas-relief by the artist Gagini, located in the left portal.
Walking through the streets of the city center, you can see various seventeenth-century buildings, including the Palazzo Braghò in via Boiano and Palazzo Adilardi in Piazza San Francesco.
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Some remains of frescoes are visible inside the Church of San Francesco.
Among the beaches of Tropea, the Rotonda beach is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful, with some bathing establishments where you can rent umbrellas, deck chairs and pedal boats.
Cannone beach, which is one of the smallest and least frequented beaches in Tropea, is located in a secluded position, between the north pier of the marina and the rock of San Leonardo.
Among the most popular events it is worth mentioning the blue fish and red onion festival, held on July 3 of each year.
