Kaulonia: the charm of ancient Greece between sea and history
Discovering the Monasterace Archaeological Park and Museum and its treasures
Where
What is it and where is ancient Kaulonia, today Monasterace
On the Ionian coast of Reggio Calabria, specifically in Monasterace Marina, lies one of the most striking archaeological sites in Calabria. It is ancient Kaulonia (or Kaulon), which reveals its secrets just a stone's throw from the sea. The archaeological park stretches in an enchanting panoramic position, where the remains of the Doric temple still seem to guard the horizon. It is a place where Magna-Greek history blends with the coastal landscape, making it a must-see for those who seek archaeology in Calabria and want to discover the deep roots of this territory.
Why it is special: from the excavation to the archaeological museum of Monasterace
When looking at an archaeological site, it happens that one wonders where all the objects found ended up. The great thing about the excavation of Kaulonia is that many of its finds remain close by, in the beautiful Monasterace Archaeological Museum. This exhibition space is not just a container of objects, but a living narrative that explains the evolution of Kaulonia through unique artifacts, pottery and jewelry. It is the key to understanding how the ancient inhabitants of this area lived.
Don't miss: what to see at the Kaulonia excavations.
One of the most iconic and photographed elements of the Monasterace Marina archaeological site is definitely the Doric temple, so close to the seashore and the horizon that it seems suspended between past and present. But there are other recognizable buildings, such as the Casa Matta, a bath complex where you can admire rich polychrome mosaics, and at least one other dwelling, also decorated. The two structures share a figurative element: dragons! There is a beautiful one found in this excavation and exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria. It may be the proximity to the sea, it seems that it was these creatures that held sway in the imagination of the ancient inhabitants.
A bit of history among the villages in Calabria
The history of this place is inextricably linked to the villages in Calabria that dot the hinterland, such as the charming medieval town of Monasterace located in the hills: from the colonies on the seashore, the ancient inhabitants, little by little, moved to the nearby mountains. Founded according to legend by Achaean heroes, the ancient city of Kaulon experienced periods of great splendor and fierce battles, passing under the control of Syracuse before slowly disappearing. Walking through the excavations of Kaulonia today , one can still hear the echoes of that glorious past that made this land a cultural and economic reference point for the entire Magna Graecia.
Curiosities about Monasterace Marina and its sunken treasures
One of the most fascinating features of the Kaulonia excavations concerns what is not immediately visible: part of the ancient city is now submerged due to bradyseism and coastal erosion. Those visiting Monasterace Marina might not imagine that, just a few meters from the shore, silent columns and archaeological finds lie below sea level. This "Calabrian Atlantis" adds a veil of mystery to the visit, turning a simple walk on the beach into an experience of continuous discovery between myth, legend and archaeological reality.
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The Map thanks:
PNRR a titolarità del Ministero della Cultura (MiC) M1C3 – 2.1 “Attrattività dei borghi” – Linea B – “Borghi in piazza - Spirito d’Oriente in Occidente” – Int. 2 - Digitalizzazione del territorio – CUP F49I22000220006 – CIG B693A24037
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