 Introduction
The town has been an important crossroads since the time of the ancient Greek and Roman Empires. Surrounded by the mountains of Serres, the Mesima River runs by the town. From the highest point of Vibo Valentia it is possible to see the Sila Mountains to the north and the summit of Etna in Sicily to the south. The town is the ideal place to explore central Calabria or the coastal resorts on either side of the “foot” of Italy.
Reserve: Bed&Breakfast and Hotels in Vibo Valentia | Map of Vibo Valentia
Arrival Plane
Airport Lamezia Terme is the closest major airport. From here, travelers can take a taxi, rent a car, or take the railway to reach the town.
Reserve: Bed&Breakfast and Hotels near Lamezia Terme International Airport(Aeroporto di Lamezia Terme)
Train
Since Vibo Vanenntia is an important crossroads of all the arteries of communication, there are a variety of options to reach the town by rail. The main railway line links with the international airport of Lamezia Terme to the port district marina.
Some of the options are:
Train FS of Vibo Valentina-Pizzo
Station ferroviaria FS di Vibo Marina. Train FS Vibo Marina.
Station ferroviaria FS di Vibo-Trainiti. Train FS-Vibo Trainiti.
Car
Exit Highway A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria of Serre in the direction of Vibo Valentia south. Another option is to take the SS18 Napoli- Reggio Calabria and follow exit signs for the town.
History and Culture
The town, still known as Hipponion, eventually came under the dominion of the Bruttii who controlled most of Calabria. The town fell to Rome and the name was Latinized to Hipponium. The town became a Roman colony in 194 BC with the name of Vibo Valentia.
For a while the town prospered, but Vibo Valentia was almost completely abandoned after the fall of the Roman Empire. In 1070 the Normans built a castle at the site of the old Acropolis and in 1235 a new city was established by Frederick II. The name was again changed, this time to Monteleone di Calabria. The city got back the old Roman name of Vibo Valentia only in 1928.
The language of the area, born from Greek, is of the Calabrian South. It has evolved over the years as Byzantine and Latin influence enriched the native speech.
Churches and Museums
The cathedral is built upon the ruins of an ancient Byzantine basilica. The building has been restored several times due to various earthquakes. The format is in a Latin cross with a single aisle, decorated with frescoes neoclassical 19th century. Of particular importance are the Altar Major from the 18th century of polychrome marble and the sculpture from the 16th century called “Our Lady of the Snow”.
Chiesa di Santa Ruba
Rising up halfway between Vibo and one of the outer counties, this church has ancient origins. Built around the year 1000 by Pope Callistus II, the church offers eastern inspired aesthetics.
Historical Buildings and Monuments
The castle is located on what used to be the Acropolis of Hipponion. Constructed by the Normans, materials were taken from various Greek temples. The castle was reinforced by the Aragonese in the 15th century. The castle is noted for being the spot where 7 martyrs were slain for having defended the town from the impending take over by the Pignatelli. The second floor was demolished on purpose, as unsafe, because of the damage reported after an earthquake. The castle seen today is made up of cylindrical towers, each built at different times by different rulers. One of the towers holds the Archaeological Museum a state museum.
Walls of Hipponion
The walls of Hipponion are about 350 meters lone. Originally, the walls covered about 7.5 km. There are 5 recognized phases of construction, the first taking place in the 6th century BC. Made from megalithic stone blocks, most of the wall has been destroyed.
Roman Terme and Domus
These buildings are left from Roman times. A complex of houses and thermal baths, the structure still retains an important mosaic from the time.
Links
Transport
Transport
Transport
Transport
Transport
Transport
|
| |
 Hotel Reservations
|
Home 
Vibo Valentia
