 Introduction
Santa Domenica Talao is a small town set high on the hillside of the Pollino National Park. The town offers amazing views of both the sea and the mountains. The town itself is small and compact with everything to see within walking distance. Here visitors experience Italian community life, including an afternoon siesta that shuts the town down between 1pm and 5pm most days.
Though Santa Domenica Talao is small, it is worth stopping here, not only for the unforgettable views of the Tyrrhenian coast from the main piazza, but because the town is famous for its Medieval windows and door arches. Around the centre of town, local merchants sell hand woven baskets, olive oil and local wine. While English is not widely spoken, people tend to be friendly and are quick to smile.
 Arrival
Plane
Airport Lamezia Terme is the main international airport. From here, travelers can take a taxi, rent a car, or take the railway to reach the town.
Train
The station of Scalea - Santa Domenica Talao is the closest train top to the town.
Car
Take the SS18 along the coast, and turn onto SS504 at Scalea. This twisting road will take travelers straight into Santa Domenica Talao.
 History and Culture
The area was probably occupied as early as the 600s, but the town was officially founded in the 14th century. Prince Ettore Maria Spinelli of Scalea began to cultivate the region in 1625. This later became an autonomous municipality. Agricultural activities and trade began to develop and the population grew and living standards reached significant levels. Many families of the town were given important positions in the Kingdom of Naples. The town continued to be the summer residence of the Princes of Scalea.
The town continued to expand around the baroque church of St. Joseph. The church was an important stop for travelers and drew people into the community. The church continues to be the center of the town and the heart of the community.
 Churches and Museums
Church of St. Joseph
Known in Italian as La Chiesa di San Giuseppe this church is a work of art in itself. It also contains the remains of famous families from the Kingdom of Naples, and numerous ancient religious artefacts from the Medieval period. The temple is set in a Latin cross with three aisles. The valuable stucco decorations made it a much admired model of religious architecture. The wooden choir stalls date back to 1774. Below the church, in the basement, visors can admire numerous artifacts and the six rooms of tombs. The church is open to the public most days of the week. If it is closed, ask at the local fruit store next door.
 Sport
Pollino National Park
The town is set inside this wonderful national park. Flora and fauna are abound here and the opportunity for various athletic opportunities are unlimited. Hiking, biking, and rafting are all popular activities. Rafting here is particularly enjoyable as the park offers the most extensive protected area in Italy, including full immersion into thrills, rapids and descents in its options.
 Festivals and Events
Saint Giuseppe Festival - July
During the month of July, the town hosts its annual tribute to its patron saint. The celebration offers traditional costumes and a parade from the town to the cemetery.
Games Rionali - July
Held in connection with the patron saint festival, this celebration celebrates the victory of Cursa du Pannu. There are a series of games in which different neighborhoods compete for the sake of pride. The winner is also assured the continuity of drappo blessed for a year in the district winning the race.
The market - Thursday
The market is held every Thursday. Hundreds of trucks from the entire province of Bari come here to offer a variety of goods: clothes, footwear, household items, food etc. Everything is new (it is not a flea market), cheap, and of good quality. The market ends at noon, so arrive early.
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