In the ancient world, Capo Vaticano in the south of Italy was part of the “Magna Graecia” and well-known as a sacred place throughout the area influenced by the Greeks. Many priests and fortune tellers lived there and 'explored' the future.
In the ancient world, Capo Vaticano in the south of Italy was part of the “Magna Graecia” and well-known as a sacred place throughout the area influenced by the Greeks. Many priests and fortune tellers lived there and 'explored' the future.
Even Hercules, Aeneas and Odysseus, the legendary mariners, are said to have stopped at Capo Vaticano to ask the seers for advice before challenging the terrible sea monsters in the Strait of Messina. This explains the name "Capo Vaticano" - "vaticinio" means "prophecy".
In the course of history, many civilizations have left their traces at the Capo. Numerous excavations bear witness to the presence of Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Saracens, Anjou, Aragonese and Frenchmen. Archaeological finds from those times are found at Vibo Valentia, Reggio Calabria and Nicotera.
During Byzantine rule, as of about the 8th century, the religion of the Eastern Church spread even to Calabria. Monks brought along, amongst others, icons and relics and – the veneration of the eastern saints.
As a means of protection from pirates, Don Pedro di Toledo, Viceroy of Naples, had hundreds of watchtowers built along the coast in the 16th century. Some are still found at Capo Vaticano, too – e.g. Torre Ruffa, Torre Marrana and Torre Bali.
Quite a number of churches of medieval origin have 'survived', are still 'in use' today. An Augustinian monastery dedicated to the saints Filippo and Giacomo and located between Brivadi and Orsigliadi also dates from the 16th century.
Since the early Middle Ages, Tropea had been an important noblemen’s residence and bishop’s see as well as the intellectual center of the area, which more than 50 palaces of the nobility with impressive doorways and courtyards, the Norman cathedral and quite a number of other churches, chapels and monasteries bear witness to.
Tropea
March: Day of the Madonna di Romania
Easter Sunday: L’affuntata (statues of Jesus and the Madonna are carried in procession)
May 3rd: Day of the Three Crosses (I tri cruci)
1st part of May: Sagra del Cammello (presentation of the march of camels through Tropea after the victory over the Saracens)
End of July: Cipolla Rossa di Tropea festival at Largo Galluppi
August 15th: Day of the Madonna dell’Isola
Ricadi
June 13th: Day of San Antonio of Padua
Mid August: Cipolla Rossa di Tropea festival
August 15th: Day of the Madonna delle Grazie
November 5th: Day of San Zaccaria
December 6th: Day of San Nicola di Bari
Parghelia
1st part of August: Sagra del pesce azzurro
Mid August: Zeppola festival (pastry)
End of September: Chestnut festival
Other places
Whit Monday: Day of San Bruno (Serra San Bruno)
Mid August: Zeppola festival with bagpipe players (Zampognari) (Vibo Valentia)
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