A fairytale church sat atop the ‘island’ rock in front of Tropea, Santa Maria dell’Isola Monastery is an iconic image on the Coast of the Gods (La Costa degli Dei), Calabria. Perched on a rocky promontory and surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea, you can only reach this 4th century monastery by scaling the staircase that leads up the cliff.
The original structure of Santa Maria dell’Isola was built so long ago, the topography of the land around it has changed. Looking at old photographs, you can see the landscape as it was originally, on an island completely surrounded by water. Over the years, silt and sediments filled the water and joined the island to Tropea’s mainland, and the island now connects to a white sandy beach on either side.
First erected as a simple church in medieval times, the structure has been redesigned and rebuilt multiple times, after earthquakes destroyed it in both 1783 and 1905. The history of the church is a little uncertain, but the rock itself was likely inhabited as far back as the 7th century by Greek hermit monks. The 9th century church built in its location belonged to the Basilian monks, then to the Benedictines after the arrival of the Normans in the 11th century. Its story of an ancient site repurposed and reinhabited mirrors that of Calabria’s history – as a land that has been conquered and invaded many times. Today, you’ll discover architecture and relics from every period from Byzantine to Greek, Norman to Saracen.
As the icon of Tropea, a visit up the rock is a must for every visitor to the town. The sanctuary itself is simple and calming inside – and is free to enter. Pay a small fee to explore the gardens and for spectacular views out to the turquoise sea and back towards the towering cliffs of Tropea. There is one window in the sanctuary that offers one of our most picture-perfect spots in all of Calabria – green window shutters frame a view of the iconic town and tropical beach below. Take your time to enjoy the gardens and soak up the views – spectacular at any time of day. On a clear day, you’ll see Stromboli volcano out at sea, and the views of Santa Maria dell’Isola with the pink skies of sunset are unbeatable.
Calabria in your inbox. Sign up to be the first to receive our newsletter. Get stories, tips and insights for your next Italian adventure.
