Best attractions and places to see around Pianopoli include a variety of cultural and natural sites. This charming town in the province of Catanzaro, Calabria, is situated at an elevation of 250 meters above sea level in the Piana di Sant'Eufemia, near the Isthmus of Catanzaro. The area is characterized by rolling hills and extensive olive groves, offering scenic landscapes and a glimpse into local Italian culture.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Pianopoli.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
great stop hotel 2 mari , perfect from A to Z, all the staff and Antonio were invaluable and very friendly excellent value for money, wonderful rooms and dinner, everything needed for bike maintenance ..... rooms and service included 👍👍👍
0
0
Chiesa Santa Maria delle Nevi, Girifalco Mother Church of Santa Maria delle Nevi The Mother Church of Santa Maria delle Nevi in Girifalco, in the province of Catanzaro, is the town's most important parish church. Its origins date back to the 16th century, when it was originally dedicated to the Madonna delle Nevi, a title inherited from the previous mother church in the Pioppi Vecchi district. After the devastating earthquake of 1783, the building was rebuilt on the site of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, part of the old Dominican monastery founded by Bishop Lauro in 1548. The reconstruction was entrusted to the architect Ermenegildo Sintes, a pupil of Luigi Vanvitelli. However, the original design was modified and reduced in size during the construction phase. The facade of the church, originally built in the Baroque style, underwent several renovations, especially after the 1905 earthquake, giving it a more modern appearance. It has a large stone portal flanked by two niches and a double access staircase. The secondary entrance, framed by an ashlar portal, is located at the foot of the bell tower, which houses three bells and a clock. The interior of the church is characterized by the color white, a symbol of both the Marian title and the Dominican Order. The nave is decorated with arches with friezes and gilded capitals. On the left side is the Altar of Paradise, with an ancient sculptural group depicting the Ascension of Christ from the Convent of San Antonio of the Reformed. The presbytery is dominated by a large painting of the Madonna delle Nevi, protecting the snow-covered village of Girifalco from above, a work by Domenico Cefaly (1932-2003), a descendant of the painter Andrea Cefaly. Other works of art housed in the church include a 17th-century polychrome statue of Saint Rocco from Montpellier, a painting of the Madonna della Neve by Luciano Ricchetti, and the 17th-century Madonna del Garofano. The Mother Church of Santa Maria delle Nevi represents an important spiritual and cultural center for the community of Girifalco, testifying to centuries of history, art, and religious devotion. Text / Source: visitgirifalco.com / Municipality of Girifalco https://visitgirifalco.com/trip/chiesa-matrice-santa-maria-delle-nevi/
14
0
Girifalco lies in the center of the Isthmus of Catanzaro. Girifalco lies in the center of the Isthmus of Catanzaro, the narrowest point of the Italian peninsula, at the foot of Monte Covello (848 m above sea level), a subrange of Monte Serralta in the northern Serre region, at an altitude of 456 m above sea level. As some finds in the Caria district show, there were settlements in the upper reaches of the Alessi stream before Magna Graecia. In the early 17th century, Girifalco was a fief of the Caracciolo family and then belonged to the Ravaschieri family. After a few years, the fief returned to the Caracciolo family thanks to the marriage between Duchess Ravaschieri of Girifalco and a certain Annibale Caracciolo. From them was born Fabrizio Caracciolo, second Duke of Girifalco, the creator of a very prosperous period for the feud during his duchy, which lasted from 1634 to 1683 and consolidated the socioeconomic development of the city with the presence of the university and the feudal institution. Duke Caracciolo had the Reformed Convent built in 1635 and donated it to the Friars Minor, who erected a statue in his gratitude and placed it near the convent itself. Mayor Carlo Pacino commissioned important works such as the first municipal hall around the mid-1600s, the extension of the Church of San Rocco, and a few decades later, in 1663, the monumental Baroque fountain. In the 17th century, the inhabited center expanded more and more, and there were several churches (the ones of San Rocco and the matrix of the Pioppi district being the most important), two important monasteries, the Municipal House, the Ducal Palace (the Duke's residence), and even the city's coat of arms was built. At the end of the 18th century, another earthquake struck Calabria and the town of Girifalco, the one of March 28, 1783. The center was destroyed or severely damaged, as was the Pioppi district, including the mother church (already severely damaged in the 1638 earthquake and subsequently renovated), which would never be rebuilt. Its functions were transferred to the church of the Dominican convent, which thus became the new mother church. Text / Source: Comunicazione Girifalco https://unsic.it/comunicazione/girifalco/
15
0
The Village of Girifalco The village of Girifalco lies at the foot of Monte Covello, between the Gulf of Squillace and the Gulf of Sant'Eufemia, and in the heart of the Isthmus of Catanzaro, the narrowest point of the Italian peninsula. Girifalco owes its origins to the destruction of the two older villages of Toco and Caria by the Saracens in 836. The villagers sought refuge on the rock known as the "Pietra dei Monaci" ("Monk's Stone"). Text / Source: turiscalabria.it http://www.turiscalabria.it/website/?lang=de&categoria=/wo/paesi/&view_type=s&id=639&title=.html
15
0
Tiriolo is a charming village in Calabria, southern Italy, known as the "place between two seas." It is picturesquely situated on a hill overlooking the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas. Tiriolo boasts ancient roots, a rich history, traditional craftsmanship, and a welcoming, authentic atmosphere.
4
0
Free charging, pump and tools for repairing breakdowns. Free charging and self-repair station for bicycles and e-bikes. This column is part of the project Ciclovia dei Parchi della Calabria cicloviaparchicalabria.it/it This station is part of the project Calabria Parks Cycle Network cicloviaparchicalabria.it/en
0
0
A very pleasant route leads to the gates of the Calabrian Serre crossing the historic Marcellinara gorge and goes up to Caraffa di Catanzaro, a small center of Arbëreshe tradition and, finally, crossing magnificent olive groves, arrives in Girifalco. Here you can admire the so-called "Devil's Fountain", created by Carlo Pacino in the 17th century (it is told in just one night). In Girifalco, a visit to the fabric laboratory of the young Rocco Vitaliano, who also works with broom fibre, is recommended.
4
0
Tiriolo is the land of two seas: from the top of the town, from the Castle Park, you can clearly see the boundary of the Calabrian emerged lands that winds between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. A unique emotion! But Tiriolo is also a center rich in history and traditions where some of the best Calabrian artisans live: potters like Corrado Rotundo, weavers like Mirella Leone and luthiers like Tommaso Leone. The Regional Costume Museum and the Antiquarium are very interesting, as well as the magnificent historical centre.
1
0
Within Pianopoli, you can visit the Church of San Tommaso d'Aquino, the parish church featuring paintings by Gregorio Murmura and a finely decorated main altar. Another notable religious site is the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, known for its Ionic pilasters and a medallion painting of the Madonna Addolorata. Don't miss the Monument to the Fallen for the Patria by Giovanni Prini, located in a small city garden, and the charming narrow streets and squares of the historical center.
Yes, Pianopoli is surrounded by thousands of ancient olive trees and picturesque rolling hills, offering scenic landscapes. At the entrance of the village, on Viale Enrico Berliguer, stands L'Olivo Secolare, a centuries-old olive tree. The region is also known for its production of Lamezia DOP extra virgin olive oil and Lamezia DOC wine, reflecting its rich agricultural landscape.
Visitors frequently enjoy Tiriolo, a charming village known as the 'place between two seas' for its views of both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas. Another popular spot is Girifalco, where you can see the 17th-century 'Devil's Fountain' and the historic Church of the Rosary.
Beyond Pianopoli, you can explore the ancient medieval fortress of the Norman-Swabian Castle of Nicastro in Lamezia Terme, which offers insights into Calabria's medieval history despite earthquake damage. The village of Tiriolo also features noble palaces, churches, and castle ruins.
Yes, for families with children, the Communal Playground in Piazza Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa offers an equipped park. Many of the settlements like Tiriolo and Church of the Rosary, Girifalco are also categorized as family-friendly, providing interesting but manageable exploration for all ages.
The area around Pianopoli offers various outdoor activities. For hiking, you can find routes like the 'Sentiero Italia: Trail to Tiriolo' or the 'Monte Tiriolo – Tiriolo loop'. Cyclists can enjoy road cycling routes such as the 'Reventino-Savuto Cycle Route' or mountain biking trails like the 'Passo d'Acquavona loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Pianopoli, Road Cycling Routes around Pianopoli, and MTB Trails around Pianopoli guides.
Consider visiting Lanificio Leo - Museo d'Impresa in Soveria Mannelli, Calabria's oldest textile factory operating as a company-museum. Another unique spot is the Platano (Curinga), a monumental plane tree over 1000 years old and one of Italy's tallest. The Santuario Madonna di Dipodi near Cardolo also offers a small church with a significant local legend.
Yes, the village of Tiriolo is famously situated on a hill, offering panoramic views of both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas. The surrounding olive groves and rolling hills of Pianopoli also provide numerous picturesque vistas, especially during drives or walks through the countryside.
The region of Calabria, including Pianopoli, generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are often ideal, offering pleasant temperatures for exploring historical sites and enjoying outdoor activities without the intense heat of summer. These seasons also showcase the lush greenery of the olive groves and hills.
While Pianopoli is known for its extensive olive groves, a notable green oasis nearby is the Botanical Garden (Giardino Botanico) near Cardolo. This garden boasts over a thousand plant species and diverse fauna, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich history and authentic atmosphere of villages like Tiriolo, often highlighting its unique position offering views of two seas. The historical significance of places like Girifalco and its 17th-century fountain, along with the charm of the local architecture and traditions, are also frequently mentioned.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: