Famed for its “pignatari” style of ceramics, Squillace is a historic town overlooking the Gulf of Squillace near the east coast of Calabria. It was originally founded as a fortress settlement during the Byzantine conquest of Italy and was frequently raided by the Saracens throughout the Middle Ages.
Things to do in Squillace
In the heart of town is the monumental Squillace Cathedral, which was established in the 11th century at the request of Count Roger I. It was constructed in an attempt to cement Catholicism in the area and eradicate the religion of the Greek-Byzantine rite. Admire its Romanesque-style facade and the mosaics on its side walls before viewing the religious paintings that adorn its interior.
Don’t miss the Castle of Squillace, a Norman-built fortification that lies atop the ruins of an earlier Byzantine castle. From its battlements, there are magnificent views across Quillace and the coast of Calabria. Surrounding the castle are several terracotta workshops and ceramics stores where you can purchase locally-made earthenware.
From Squillace, it’s a short drive to the seaside town of Copanello and the Scogliera delle Vasche di Cassiodoro, which preserves the remains of an ancient hydraulic engineering work. Created in the 6th century by Flavius Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus, it comprises several rock pools constructed for the breeding of fish to sustain the nearby monastery. Fed by a natural spring, the pools were linked to enable the flow of water.
Getting around Squillace
Squillace is around 30 minutes’ drive from Catanzaro and just under two hours from Reggio Calabria Airport, which has flights to Milan and Rome. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Squillace and the town is small enough to explore on foot.