Vibo Valentia |
| Friday, 25 July 2008 10:33 |
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one of the most beautiful holiday regions in Italy. Vibo Valentia is of ancient origin; its first roots date back to 700 B.C. when the Greeks founded the colony Hipponion. Ancient temple foundations and a greatly preserved piece of Hellenistic brick city wall with three round watchtowers from the 6th to 4th century B.C. bear witness to the town’s long history. The most dominating period evident in town’s architecture is the Middle Ages. The Castello, built in 1070 by Ruggero il Normanno, is open for visitors and home to the National Archaeological Museum. The Old Town, once protected by this fortress, was once built on the ruins of (and with building material from) Greek and Roman houses. The most impressive building in the Old Town is the cathedral, a true masterpiece of baroque ecclesiastical architecture. The interior is decorated with precious marble statues, created by Antonello Gagini. Vibo Valentia is embedded in a very scenic landscape on a fertile high plateau at 1560 ft. The Tyrrhenian Sea is just 3.5 miles away and the Belvedere Grande is a fine viewing point from which you can see all of Vibo Valentia, the Sila Mountains in the north, across the sea all the way to Stromboli Island, and to the tip of Etna. It is generally quite easy to find accommodation in Vibo Valentia, and the selection is good; you can choose between bed and breakfasts, hotels, guesthouses, and apartments, outside the city you can even stay on farms, a concept called agrarian tourism. The small town of Tropea makes for a great day trip. The medieval village sits on a 130 ft. cliff above the sea, a stunning setting for a town. This is a true treasure chest for anyone interested in history, culture, and architecture. Small alleys lined with atmospheric cafés and boutiques make it very easy to enjoy a relaxing afternoon, try some of the local delicacies, and have a go a real Mediterranean lifestyle. |
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