Pizzo is the perfect sleepy town of southern Italy, located in the often-forgotten and little-visited region of Calabria. Wander its streets to get a glimpse of the real version of la dolce vita. It’s not a town in which you’ll find many tourist ‘activities’ in the traditional sense of things to do. Instead, spend your days here appreciating the slower pace of life – filled of course with food, wine and sunshine, in true Italian style.
Pride of place in the Piazza della Republica, and the perfect spot from which to appreciate the panorama, you’ll find the 15th century ancient fort of Murat. The castle is named after Joachim Murat, brother-in-law of Napoleon Boneparte and briefly King of Naples before his capture and execution for treason in 1815.
The largest tower of the castle was built in the 14th century, as defence against the Saracens. About 100 years later, the rest of the structure was added, with a watchtower looking over the marina. The castle isn’t large, but worth a visit and the 3 euros entrance fee for the impressive vista from the terrace. Head inside to discover the story of Murat and his imprisonment and then death by firing squad.
Legend tells the story of a shipwreck and miraculously saved sailors who built the church in the honour of the saint that saved them. Today you’ll find the unique setting of a dimly lit church cave on the beach front, carved into the rock and filled with an abundance of statues. Find out more and plan your visit here.
Pizzo is known as the ‘city of ice cream’ for a reason – the famous tartufo di Pizzo. Named after a decadent truffle, the dessert of hazelnut and chocolate ice cream was invented by a local gelataio. You’ll find it on the menu in every gelateria in the town, and you can’t leave Pizzo without sampling (at least!) one.
The beach at Pizzo marina is a charming one – a small bay sheltered by the pier and with a backdrop of charming palazzos and the cliff above. You can reach the beach easily by foot, taking the pathway that winds down from the main piazza. Along the marina, you’ll also find a selection of restaurants, bars and gelaterias – perfect for your refreshment during a day on the beach. The spot also becomes a hive of activity on an evening, as locals and holidaymakers descend to stroll along the beachfront (particularly spectacular at sunset) and eat al fresco along the waterfront.
As a seaside fishing village, when gazing out to sea from Pizzo, you’ll always spot a fishing boat or two on the water. Fishermen also bask in the sunshine and fish from the shoreline along the marina and from the pier. Historically, Pizzo was most known for its tuna fishing industry. In the early summer months, the tuna would swim right up to the beach, and ‘tonnare’ static nets were used to herd and trap the fish. The company of Callipo continues to export the famous tuna of Pizzo, as one of the largest tuna fishing enterprises in Italy. Founded in 1913, much of the work is still done by hand, and production has stayed in the local area since the beginning.
Whilst staying in Pizzo today, you can arrange to join a local fishing boat on an excursion out at sea, enjoying the coastline, water, sailing along to the Piedigrotta church on the beach, and trying your hand at fishing.
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