Borgia: Archaeology, Architectural History and Views

The built-up center of Borgia lies on a hilly plateau 341 meters above sea level; at the same time, Borgia overlooks the Ionian Sea and offers views of the Gulf of Squillace. This adds the landscape and the town’s location to consider when planning your trip. Archaeological sites and historic buildings offer their own cultural and historical highlights; a seasonal shuttle to the beaches of Roccelletta also makes the time of year a practical consideration when planning your trip. When looking for a hotel, you can weigh these options according to whether you are most interested in the landscape, history or a visit to the beach.

Archaeology Across Several Eras

The Museum and National Archaeological Park of Scolacium displays archaeological finds from prehistoric times as well as from the Greek, Roman and medieval periods. The site of Scolacium was also home to an amphitheater built during the imperial period. The finds span a broad stretch of history, while the amphitheater adds a specific structure from the Roman era.

Another archaeological site is the Roccelletta Archaeological Park near Borgia. It preserves the remains of the Greek city of Skylletion. This makes it possible to distinguish between different historical highlights: Scolacium features finds from several eras, while Roccelletta is associated with a Greek city.

Architectural History and Townscape

The Basilica of Santa Maria della Roccella stands in the Archaeological Park of Scolacium. It was probably founded by the Normans in the 11th century on the remains of a Byzantine monastery. Its style recalls Romanesque architecture while also showing Oriental and Arab influences. The story of its founding and its design offer two different perspectives on the same building: a probable historical context and architecture that reflects a range of influences.

The imposing 19th-century Palazzo Mazza is located in Borgia’s historic center. The town’s parish church is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, who is also its patron saint. Alongside the archaeological history, a 19th-century palazzo and the religious dedication to the town’s patron saint round out the picture of the area’s architectural and cultural history.

MuNaBO and Planning Your Visit

MuNaBO – Museo Narrante di Borgia is housed in Palazzo Mazza. MuNaBO aims to present the area’s material culture through multimedia installations and video projections. The museum is currently temporarily closed to the public while these installations are being updated. If you are planning a visit, check in advance whether the closure is still in effect.

Seasonal Shuttle to the Beaches

A free seasonal shuttle from Borgia to the beaches of Roccelletta is planned for tourists and residents. The seasonal service is scheduled to run from July 1 to August 31. If you are planning to take the shuttle for a visit to the beach, factor these dates into your trip plans and check before you travel whether it will be running during this period. When choosing where to stay, you can weigh separately which cultural attractions interest you and whether the stated period fits your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Martirano, Davoli, Soveria Simeri, Petronà, Lamezia Terme, Sellia Marina, Petrizzi, San Floro.

See the overview of the wider area: Catanzaro.