Discover Monasterace

Monasterace offers a range of themes to consider when planning your trip: ancient remains at Kaulon, medieval architecture, and coastal and hilly landscapes. Which focus matters to you depends on whether you want to include historic sites, a stretch of beach or walks in nature.

Ancient remains at Kaulon

The Kaulon Archaeological Park is in Monasterace Marina, near the Punta Stilo promontory. It occupies the site of the ancient colonial center of Kaulon, founded by Achaean colonists from Croton. The remains include a Doric peripteral temple dating from 470 to 460 BC.

The bronze inscribed tablet known as the Tabula Cauloniensis is dated to the same period. It bears a dedication to Zeus in the Achaean alphabet. The temple and tablet thus offer two different insights into remains that are both dated to 470–460 BC.

Mosaics also tell stories through different motifs and periods. The Casa del Drago is named after the dragon motif in a mosaic that originally lay at the threshold of a banqueting hall and is now on display in the museum. A mosaic floor in the Baths of Nannon depicts dragons and dolphins; it is dated to the period of Agathocles of Syracuse, between 316 and 289 BC. Guided tours with archaeologists and local guides are offered at the Baths of Nannon. If you plan to take a tour, check in advance whether one is available on your travel dates.

The castle and historic center

The Castello di Monasterace is a medieval castle with Byzantine, Norman and feudal historical associations. It was built between the 10th and 11th centuries during the Byzantine occupation as a defense against Saracen raids. Most of its present structure dates from the 16th century. Its square layout, four corner towers and central courtyard describe the castle’s later form.

The historic center is enclosed by four massive medieval city gates. Together with the castle, they offer a distinct focus on the architectural and local history of Monasterace, alongside Kaulon’s older archaeological remains.

Coast, hills and traditions

North of the town is a stretch of beach on the border with Guardavalle. The Punta Stilo lighthouse is in Castellone, north of the Marina settlement. It was commissioned in 1895 but is no longer in operation. The hills of Campomarzo offer a different perspective on the landscape and are suitable for outings and walks in nature. You can distinguish these options clearly when choosing what to explore: coastal scenery at the beach or nature walks in the hills.

Monasterace’s Easter traditions include A cunfrunta di Pasqua, which features a procession. Another procession in honor of Saint Andrea Avellino, the patron saint of Monasterace, takes place every three years. It covers about 20 kilometers through the entire municipal area; the exact route may vary from one edition to the next. If you want to plan your trip specifically around this procession, check the date of the next edition in advance.

Getting to Monasterace Borgo

Monasterace Borgo can be reached via the SS 106 or by the Ionian Railway. If you are traveling by train, check the timetable for your travel date. This lets you connect your journey with your preferred focus when planning your trip, whether that is the archaeological remains, the town’s medieval history or Monasterace’s landscapes.

Discover more destinations: Gioiosa Ionica, Motta San Giovanni, Bianco, Camini, Agnana Calabra, Oppido Mamertina, Pozzi, Caulonia.

For the broader travel overview: Reggio Calabria.