Unveiling Calabria's Rich History And Must-See Places from a History Geek

Today's guest on the Chedrolife blog is Iryna Mayboroda. She's a Ukrainian refugee who's been living in Scalea since 2022 with her son. Not only that, but she's also a former lawyer from the Supreme Court of Ukraine who switched gears to pursue her passion. Now, she's a popular blogger, spinning captivating tales about prominent historical figures and events. I was really excited to chat with Iryna about Calabria and the city of Scalea. Iryna's expertise in Calabrian history runs deep, and her weekends are consistently filled with exploration, venturing into new towns and castles. For the especially curious readers, she has graciously put together a list of must-see places at my request. Be sure to read until the end to uncover her recommendations...

CALABRIA

Iryna with her dogs

Calabria is a region that remains largely undiscovered by foreign tourists, making it significantly underrated. While the northern and central parts of Italy boast well-known attractions that draw visitors from around the world, Calabria remains relatively obscure. Outsiders often hold mistaken beliefs about the region, envisioning it as a place overrun by mafia, with people possessing dog-like heads :), and rampant with cocaine - perpetuating harmful rumors and stereotypes.

However, the history of Italy traces back to Calabria, as it holds the oldest evidence of human presence in the country. For instance, near Papasidero, there exists a cave adorned with rock paintings dating back over 17,000 years, making it a site of immense historical significance.

Moreover, the very name "Italy" originates from Calabria. When the Greeks arrived and established colonies in the region, they encountered a local tribe led by King Italus. The area came to be known as Italy in honor of him. Initially, it was Calabria that embodied the essence of Italy, and only later did this name extend to encompass the entire Apennine Peninsula.

There are many different theories about the origin of the word Calabria. One theory that I particularly like is that it translates from Greek as "Giving birth to beauty." When the Greeks arrived, they brought the first civilization to this region, which was previously uninhabited.

Iryna in Buonvicino, Calabria

The first city founded on the mainland was Reggio Calabria, which means "the place of the king." Gradually, the Greeks expanded their settlements. The majority of Greek colonies were located in the southern regions of Calabria, Puglia, Basilicata, and Campania, while the northern regions were inhabited by wild Italian tribes.

Prior to the rise of Rome, various local tribes with distinct names populated the area. Subsequently, the Greeks established their presence, followed by the dominance of the Romans until the collapse of the Roman Empire. Afterward, the Greeks returned during the Byzantine period.

SCALEA. RIVIERA DEI CEDRI

Origins. Among the various theories, the Sybarite theory is the one that resonates with me the most. The Sybarites resided in the city of Sybaris, which gave rise to the term "sybaritism," referring to people who thoroughly enjoy life. The Sybarites were known for their extravagant lifestyle; in the town of Roseto Capo Spulico, which still exists today, they cultivated roses, the petals of which were used to fill pillows for sleeping. Their standard of living was exceptionally high, boasting a prosperous harbor and considerable wealth. However, their prosperity faced a setback when Pythagoras, the renowned philosopher and mathematician, arrived in the region and established his academy in the neighboring city of Crotone. Pythagoras had traveled extensively in search of a suitable location for his academy before finding success in Crotone. Pythagoreanism encompassed not only mathematics and theorems but also constituted a comprehensive philosophical movement, including their practice of vegetarianism based on the belief in reincarnation. This belief led them to abstain from consuming meat, as they contemplated the possibility of consuming a relative in a subsequent life. Consequently, tensions escalated between the Pythagoreans and the Sybarites, culminating in the defeat of the latter. Subsequently, the Sybarites dispersed across the southern regions, establishing numerous cities where they continued their way of life. One theory suggests that Scalea may have been founded by Sybarites, although the passage of time has rendered this uncertain. Personally, I find this theory quite compelling.

The people settled in the mountains not for a better life, but to seek refuge. Many of the ancient towns, like Scalea and the surrounding areas, saw their residents flee to the mountains during Saracen raids. When the Arabs arrived, they showed no mercy, prompting the construction of signal towers and leading people to seek shelter in the mountains. Each city had urban gates and walls, although these are now absent due to demolition. However, they were once present, and nearly every village had a castle perched atop, with either a Norman or Aragonese castle in each. In Scalea, both types are present. The ruins of the Norman castle lie at the summit, while the Aragonese castle, now a museum, retains only one tower. Following the Normans, the Spanish and the French subsequently held sway here, engaging in centuries of conflict among themselves. If you encounter a square-shaped castle, it is likely Norman, while a round one with battlements indicates an Aragonese or Anjou origin (see video above)

IRYNA'S MUST-SEE PLACES IN CALABRIA:

Iryna's TOP 3 cities to visit on the Riviera Dei Cedri

1. SCALEA 2. BELVEDERE MARITTIMO 3. SAN NICOLA ARCELLA

Iryna's TOP 3 cities to visit in Calabria

1. SCILLA 2. TROPEA 3. CASTROVILLARI

Iryna's TOP 3 Calabrian castles to visit

1. CASTLE OF ORIOLO 2. CASTLE OF ROSETO CAPO SPULICO 3. ROCCA IMPERIALE CASTLE