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Visit Sybaris
The remains of ancient Sybaris are situated to the east of the Calabria-Basilicata region, north of Rossano and at the top of the 'toe' of Italy.
An overview of structures and artifacts of ancient Sybaris is now possible thanks to the excavations undertaken in the mid-twentieth century. The archaeological finds are quite exceptional and of great cultural interest. The locations of the excavations are easily accessible by car along the main road 106 - Ionica, which connects Reggio Calabria to Taranto. The archaeological site of Sybaris is included in the town of 'Cassano Ionico', which itself has an interesting medieval atmosphere, and natural and cultural attractions equally worthy of attention as the ruins of Sybaris.
The whole region of historic interest at 'Sybaris' has been divided into three key areas. First you will see some Roman ruins - in fact, the most ancient artefacts have been destroyed by these buildings from the Roman period (a theatre, som shops and an important home of the first half of the first century A.D.), of which we possess some evidences of the imperial age. Very beautiful and interesting are the ruins of a large Roman theatre (first century) and baths that date from the age of Trajan (53-117 A.D.) and which contain some well preserved floor mosaics.
The 'Parco del Cavallo' is the key site to visit, because it is here that the layers of the ancient cities have been identified. In the zone of Stombi were situated perhaps the oldest neighbourhoods of the city, founded in the eighth century B.C. Several buildings have been brought to light, not at all luxurious and made from materials taken from nearby places (river pebbles, bricks and wooden beams).
The more recent areas of Sybaris (when later rebuilt as Thurii - see history of Sybaris), which is closer to the sea are found in the ruins of the Casa Bianca ('white house'). Diodorus Syculus tells us the street names of ancient Thurii: Eraclea, Aphrodisias, Dionisia, Olympics.
Enthusiasts of this cultural area should note that many objects found in the excavations are visible in the Archaeological Museum. Of particular interest was the discovery of sacred furnishings of the Temple of Athena, who appeared on the reverse of the coins with the helmet. The figure of the goddess Athena was very important, but it is noted that the city patron Saint was Hera, whose cult was widespread in the Dorians communities - you can see an exceptional temple of Hera in Posidonia (Paestum), a colony of Sybaris.
(coin picture courtesy CNG coins)
Cassano Ionico
A visit to Sybaris allows also a pleasant exploration of Cassano Ionico, the medieval centre of which has artifacts of historical interest, such as the Cathedral and the Diocesan Museum, in which are preserved paintings and antique books.
Not far away is the Church and the convent of the Capuchin Friars and the Ducal castle.
To visit near Sybaris and Cassano Ionico
Just outside Cassano Ionico, one interesting visit is to the so-called 'Caves of San Angelo', which was a refuge for men of the Neolithic period.
In the pleasant countryside around it is possible to taste some wines from region. With the wines of Calabria, we are stepping back in history - the Romans claimed the wine of Cosenza in 'tribute' and Pliny the Elder, in addition to the wine of Cosenza, greatly admired the so-called Cirò wine. Also to enjoy are the famous 'Pollino', red and white wines of Calabria and the 'Stragolia red'.
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Places to visit near Sybaris, Italy
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