Squillace: Castle, Churches and Ceramics

Squillace offers several distinct themes to help you plan your trip: the Norman castle at the highest point of the hill, churches dating from different centuries, a continuing ceramics tradition, and a route through the protected Oasi di Scolacium area in Squillace Lido. The highlights range from architectural history and sacred heritage to crafts and landscape. For your planning, it helps to distinguish between the different areas: the churches and castle represent historic buildings, ceramics represents a continuing craft tradition, and the Cammino di Cassiodoro offers a connection with nature.

A Castle and Churches from Different Centuries

The Castello Normanno stands in Squillace at the highest point of the hill and was built by the Normans in the second half of the 11th century. The Concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta was also built in the 11th century, at the behest of Count Roger I. In 2015, it was elevated to the rank of a minor basilica. At the cathedral, you can distinguish its period of construction from its later elevation to a new ecclesiastical rank; the castle, alongside it, offers its own historical connection to the 11th century.

Other churches reflect different periods. The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà was built in the 13th century and is an example of Gothic architecture in Calabria. The Santuario Madonna del Ponte was built in 1724. The Chiesa di San Pietro Apostolo, also known as the Chiesa del Carmine, became a parish church after the 1783 earthquake. This brings together different construction periods and ecclesiastical roles, from Gothic architecture to its later role as a parish church.

Ceramics Craft and Design

Ceramics also link history with ongoing production. The Ceramiche Artistiche e Tradizionali di Squillace workshop continues a family tradition; traditional items and household objects are still made there using old techniques. Squillace ceramics include a Byzantine-influenced technique involving engobe and incised decoration, distinguished by a warm, dark red hue. Continued production using old techniques connects the tradition with the present. If you are interested in cultural heritage beyond churches and the castle, ceramics offers a distinct perspective through its decoration and production.

The Cammino di Cassiodoro in Squillace Lido

In Squillace Lido, the Cammino di Cassiodoro passes through the protected Oasi di Scolacium area. This area is an intact pine forest a short distance from the sea. In this section, the route therefore connects a specific trail with protected woodland and proximity to the sea. Unlike the historic buildings and ceramics tradition, the focus here is on the landscape. If you do not want to plan your trip to Squillace solely around history, the Cammino offers another nature-focused highlight.

Local Traditions and Planning Your Visit

The Ponte del Diavolo has a large opening associated with the legend of the devil; the bridge itself is said to have withstood winter floods for many centuries. This structure thus brings together a local tale and a tradition concerning its durability.

The Museo Diocesano d'Arte Sacra di Catanzaro-Squillace complements the themes surrounding sacred art. Visits to the Squillace location are possible by prior reservation. Plan your visit by booking in advance.

Discover more destinations: Guardavalle, Santa Caterina Dello Ionio, Gimigliano, Caraffa Di Catanzaro, Zagarise, Pianopoli, Falerna, Botricello.

For the broader travel overview: Catanzaro.