Crotone: Archaeology, Coastal Landscapes and Marine Protected Area

The Capo Colonna Archaeological Park comprises the remains of the original temple, cult buildings and the Katagogion dating from the 4th century BC. Crotone’s history therefore reaches far back into antiquity and remains tangible in several places.

Culture

The Capo Colonna Archaeological Museum is divided into three exhibition pavilions. Terra preserves finds from the period of Roman rule, Sacro is dedicated to evidence from the sacred area of the sanctuary, and Mare displays underwater finds. The exhibits include a Corinthian bronze helmet from the 5th century BC. The museum also displays a marble sculpture of Amore e Psiche, which was found in the coastal waters off Crotone.

The Castello di Carlo V was built in the 9th century on the ruins of the ancient Greek acropolis of Kroton. Its inward-facing round towers and the bastions facing the sea illustrate the transition from medieval to Renaissance military architecture. The structure also includes tunnels and a secret exit called “Le Sette Porte”.

The Museo e Giardini di Pitagora uses panels, installations and educational content to convey how strongly Pythagoras’ thinking influenced Western culture. Thus, alongside archaeological sites, the cultural landscape of Crotone also encompasses topics from the history of science and ideas.

History and Routes

Visit Crotone presents the destination through five thematic routes. They connect archaeological sites, coastal landscapes, places of worship and historic villages. One religious stop is the Santuario di Santa Maria di Capo Colonna. It houses the icon of the Madonna di Capo Colonna, dating from the 10th or 11th century and known as the “Madonna Nera”. In the Cappella Epifania, the sanctuary also contains a 13th-century baptismal font.

Nature and Sea

I Calanchi are clay landscapes that formed millions of years ago and are shaped by water erosion. The sea around Capo Colonna also belongs to Zone A, the area of integral protection within the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area.

In the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area, swimming and guided underwater visits with the assistance of local diving centres are permitted. Sailing and rowing are also permitted, as is motorised navigation at a maximum of 5 knots. The information therefore clearly distinguishes between the permitted activities and the sea’s special protection regulations.

Surroundings

Several buildings recorded as palaces are located in the immediate vicinity of Crotone: Palazzo Suriano Ora Albani, Palazzo Berlingieri, Casa Zurlo and Casa Turano. Also in the immediate vicinity are Spiaggia di Crotone and Spiaggia di Zigari I, both recorded as beaches. In the area around Crotone there are also Spiaggia Lido kika, recorded as a beach, and Spiaggia di Gabella III.

Local

Sardella crotonese is considered a typical dish that you can try in Crotone.

Further destination pages: Cotronei, Reggio Calabria and Cosenza.

For the higher-level travel overview: Calabria.