Tropea

Enchanting views of the turquoise sea, intertwining narrow streets and intricate alleyways, ancient palazzos and gastronomic excellence: Tropea, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and Borgo dei Borghi 2021, is a small and precious treasure enshrined in the unique territory of the Costa degli Dei, in the province of Vibo Valentia.

Tropea's origins are ancient and, as is often the case, shrouded in myth: according to Strabo, the town was founded by Heracles, after defeating the giants that had invaded Calabria: the hero, returning to Greece, is said to have found rest here, founding a town dedicated to his mother Hera. Others attribute its foundation to Scipio Africanus who, once he had defeated Hannibal and arrived at the symbolic cliff of the place, is said to have laid down his trophies (in Latin trophea, hence the name Tropea) and given origin to the city. Today, the charming town of Tropea is spread over two levels, the upper one, the town centre in effect, which is perched on a high rocky ridge, and the lower one: Marina di Tropea, which, as the name suggests, houses the beach and the port. From a historical point of view, although artefacts dating back to the Bronze Age have been found, the most documented evidence is to be found during Roman times, when the village hosted an important commercial port. Tropea was also a known and inhabited centre during the Byzantine era, to which the construction of the so-called Belisarius walls dates back, and later became a Norman and then an Aragonese possession: during these centuries, the village prospered in many respects, and could boast control over several neighbouring possessions. It was, however, after the Unification of Italy that there was a further boost accompanied by the intensification of connections with the most important centres in southern Italy.

In Tropea, the 'pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea', the experiences to be had are many and varied. This village will enchant you with its perfect mix of art, history, good food and dream beaches. Not to be missed is certainly the historical centre criss-crossed by a tangle of characteristic and typical narrow streets: here, among noble palaces and ancient churches, you can live and breathe the history of the place. A visit is certainly worthwhile to the Cathedral dedicated to Maria Santissima di Romania, a church founded by the Normans in 1163, in which it is possible to admire the Icon of the Madonna di Romania (14th century), who is the Tropea Patron Saint. The building also houses the tomb of the philosopher Pasquale Galluppi, the Black Crucifix (15th century) and the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament adorned with 18th century paintings by Tropean artist Giuseppe Grimaldi. Splendid 18th-century paintings are also kept at the Church of the Gesù, which is also distinguished by its rich marbles inside. You cannot, then, fail to visit Santa Maria dell'Isola, the symbol of the village: a hermitage built on a small island by Orthodox monks between the 6th and 7th centuries and later turned into a Benedictine sanctuary (11th century), where you can also enjoy the garden and the terrace with a beautiful view of the Tropea cliff. Another vantage point is 'Raf Vallone', which offers a beautiful view of the Gulf of Sant'Eufemia. Art and history lovers can then plan a visit to the many museums in the town, from the Diocesan Museum located in the Bishop's Palace to the 'Toraldo di Francia' and 'Toraldo Serra' private archives, which hold parchments dating back to the 14th - 18th centuries and precious manuscripts. But visiting Tropea also means enjoying the sea, a pure and crystalline sea that characterises the entire Costa degli Dei where Tropea is located. The beaches are diverse and many of them equipped and easily accessible. Ideal for relaxing, but also for snorkelling, they are little gems of white sand from which it is possible to swim to caves and coves that are truly paradisiacal.

In Tropea, you can enjoy typical flavours and genuine dishes that you will hardly forget. Starting with first courses, you will find fileja, a handmade pasta format made with semolina, reminiscent of fusilli: you can try them with ricotta and nduja sauce, with aubergines or with the famous red onions of Tropea, a true delicacy famous throughout the world for its delicate flavour and sweet streak. Not to be missed is the Tropean salad: the main ingredient is the red onion to which tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are added, resulting in a fresh and tasty dish. Pipi e Patati is another typical dish, based solely on Calabrian green peppers and potatoes fried in olive oil, where the bitterish flavour of the peppers is a pleasant contrast to the sweeter potatoes. The red onion is a very versatile ingredient and you will find many dishes that include it, one of which is the onion omelette, much loved and eaten in all seasons. A condiment par excellence is onion marmalade, which is excellent with crostini and cheese and perfect for aperitifs or typical appetisers. As for desserts, on the other hand, you can't help but try turdilli, which are fried dumplings seasoned with tasty, enveloping fig honey: they are a must during the Christmas festivities, but you can enjoy them at any time of year.

Events in Tropea are numerous and well distributed throughout the months of the year. On 13 December, there is the commemoration of the philosopher Pasquale Galluppi, with a solemn celebration to which all the townspeople are invited. During the Christmas period, on the other hand, there are initiatives and events dedicated to Christmas that dress the town in magic and culminate with La notte dei misteri (The Night of Mysteries), on 5 January: a walk through the old town centre with evocations of legends and ancient local traditions. On 27 March, the feast day of Our Lady of Romania, the town's patron saint, is held, while on 3 May, I tri da' Cruci is celebrated, recalling that in the past the village was home to a small temple with three crosses: the most representative moment of the event is at the end of the evening, when the silhouette of a camel stuffed with firecrackers is made to dance to the rhythm of music. In July, there is the unmissable Tropea Onion Party: a three-day event dedicated to the typical Tropean red onion. Between July and September, on the other hand, a rich calendar of events, prize-giving ceremonies and appointments of all kinds is organised to brighten the summer for residents and visitors alike, culminating in the Tropea Blues Festival in mid-September.