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# 85 NOVEMBER 21 , 2016
# 85 November 21 2016
See
Already frequented during Roman times,
Tropea was eventually made a bishopric
in the 8th Century. Then it was the Normans, and above all the Angevins and
the Aragonese, that made the Calabrian
town prosper.
To say that the Benedictine Sanctuary
of Santa Maria dell'Isola (the Santuario
benedettino di Santa Maria dell'Isola) is
magnificent would be sheer understatement, and it is not hard to understand
why it is one of Tropea's most photographed attractions. The Sanctuary rises
The Cathedral, also a fruit of the Nor- up on a high, rocky outcrop surrounded
man epoch, was recast several times by the beach and the sparkling sea.
after suffering seismic damage. Note its
intriguing Gothic portals, then move in- Be sure to take a look at the many 17thside to admire its various artworks. The and 18th-Century palazzi in Tropea's
structure is at the center of a handful of center, especially those grouped betwemyths and legends: one narrates an in- en the narrow but gracious Via Boiano
stance in which two bombs were placed and Largo Galluppi. Among the Baroat the church's entrance but never explo- que edifices is the Church of San Demeded, supposedly due to the protection trio, featuring an exquisite 1300s chapel
inside.
provided by the Virgin of Tropea.
Do
No doubt that the crystalline waters and
white sand are Tropea's calling card, catering to those in search of summertime
relaxation, as well as to those wanting to
explore its fascinating underwater world,
replete with numerous fish species. Aboveground, citrus and olive groves, and
vineyards abound throughout the entire
zone, serving as charming backdrop for
excursions beyond the city walls.
or bluetailed fish fair (Sagra del pesce
azzurro) and the Red Onion Sagra. Each
sagra celebrates local products and cooking traditions, drawing numerous visitors that want to taste and try the typical
delicacies and recipes. A trip to the gorgeous Aeolian Islands is not an option,
but a must, with mini-cruises heading
to this UNESCO Site, from Tropea and
other, outerlying ports.
But of course, the city center of Tropea
eventually beckons its visitors to return
for a stroll through its streets and past its
characteristic churches and noble palaces, stopping every now and then for a
unique view onto the natural elements
that frame it.
Don't Miss
July brings to Tropea the annual oily fish
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