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Calabria - General Info
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Calabria is the southern most region of Italy, the toe of the Italian "boot". A rugged peninsula washed by two seas, the Ionian and Tyrrhenian, where grapevines, fig and olive trees cling to arid mountainsides, and where the immemorial sea crashes against the cliffs and beaches of its long, and intricate coastline, which faces east, south and west all at once. Calabria can justly be called mountainous, with its imposing mounts of Pollino, Sila and Aspromonte but at the same time it is a region of fertile plains and gentle hills. It is a land of sun and sea but its higher elevations may be blanketed with snow during the winter. It is a Mediterranean region but has dense woods that in some areas make it look very Nordic, almost a Scotland magically transported to the (much warmer) South.
To Homer, the Greek author of The Odyssey and The Illiad, Calabria was a far-off, magical and dangerous place, where heroes rose to spectacular challenges and overcame Olympian odds. Ulysses and his crew, for instance, sailed through the monstrous pass of Scilla and Charybis, in reality the narrow, turbulent strait between the Calabrian mainland and the Island of Sicily.
Calabria is a region of ancient Mediterranean culture and it is the place from which Italy derives its name. Italia, in fact, is a derivation of Italo, a king of Calabria. There are many archaeological traces of ancient times, from prehistory to the settlements of the autochthonous Bruttians, to the great epic period of the Magna Graecia. Calabria can still give important visible testimony of these epochs, which were so fundamental for European history and culture. For example, the ruins of Sibari, the Roccelletta at Borgia, Locri and in its many museums. The Romans, Lombard Goths, Byzantines, Normans, Swabians, Angevins, Aragoneses up to the Bourbons have left architectural remains of great cultural and artistic importance in the land of the Bruttians. Calabria was therefore a 'bridge' for different cultures, a land of transit, and for this reason exposed to assaults and invasions, to dominations and great popular uprisings for freedom, These historical phases have left their indelible imprint in the life and culture of Calabria, and still tangibly shape the form of Calabria's towns.
It seems that something of everything can be found in Calabria. A harmonious yet contrasting mix of elements that are profoundly different and varied but work together to enliven a marvelous and fascinating land.
Captivating, charismatic, compelling. Calabria, Italy draws you into itself, enchanting you with the richness of its beauty and culture. With perfect weather all year round and a relaxed, Italian life style, Calabria is undoubtedly one of the best spots in Italy. And once you've arrived, and settled in, you will have the opportunity to savor the hearty, tasty, Calabrese cuisine, all made from local produce, meats, fish and fruit.