 
 |
 |
Ancient Greece on the Ionian
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Ancient Greece on the Ionian
 |
The Calabrian coastline on the Ionian sea was home to many important Greek colonies. The valuable heritage left behind was on occasion recycled to create newer structures of similar value. |
| Sibari |
The itinerary starts in the Gulf of Corigliano. Sibari is the most ancient of these colonies in Italy; it also founded subsequent establishments, such as Poseidonia (Paestum). Having defeated the neighbouring Siris, its demise was at the hands of Kroton. It is but recently that its ruins were unearthed. In Stomboli, at km 25 of route 106, there are remains of an outlying burg, whereas the Cavallo park has material witnesses of the city of Thurii and a roman colony, Copia, each built upon the ruins of the previous city.
On the road to Crotone, a stop in Punta Alice will yield a beautiful panorama at the foot of the ruins of the Apollo Aleo temple. |
| Crotone |
Of this rich colony, founder of Skylettion and defeated by Dyonisius of Syracuse, very little architectural memories remain. Rather, the archeological museum is worth the stop. 10 km away, at Capo Colonna the final remaining column is testimony to the Hera temple for the ancient Lacinia colony. |
| Roccelletta |
The remains of what used to be the largest church of Calabria and its monastery were built with the materials of the preceeding Roman colony, Scolacium, and the ancient Skylletion colony. The vast archeological park has many attractions, including a theater, an amphitheater and Roman baths. |
| Caulonia |
Further south, at Punta Stilo, the Caulonia colony is evidenced by the foundations of a temple, protective walls and some homes of greek origin. We are a few miles from Riace, whose sea has given use the Riace bronze sculptures which are now archetypical symbols of tourism in Calabria, overshadowing the massive Norman cathedral in the center of town. |
| Locri |
 A vast archeological area, it is notable for the variety of its remains. In addition to a necropolis of indigienous populations, the Greek epoch has left us with a theater, two temples - Marasà and Zeus - and some homes. The museum of Locri Epizefiri is blessed with many artifacts. |
|
|
 |
|
