✓ Find the best offers on your Stays on 🏡 booking.com
✓ Deals on Private xfers, SIM Cards, City tours, Day trips on 🛵 GetYourGuide | on 🛵 Klook
There are great many things to do in Italy, and so are in Rossano.
Nestled between the rugged mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea, Rossano beckons travelers with a siren’s call to explore its hidden mysteries and wonders.
The enchanting town is like a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered, from the rich cultural heritage and delectable food to the breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality.
Embark on a journey of discovery and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Rossano, where every corner holds its own secret to share.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Rossano:
1. Diocesan Museum and Codex Purple
The Diocesan Museum in Rossano houses a vast collection of religious artifacts, art works, and manuscripts. One of the most notable items in its collection is the Codex Purpureus Rossanensis, a 6th-century Greek illuminated manuscript.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various sections of the museum that cover different religious themes and time periods.
The highlight of the museum is the Codex Purpureus Rossanensis, a beautifully illustrated version of the Gospel of Matthew in Greek.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the Codex Purpureus Rossanensis up close and appreciate its intricate and colorful artwork.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to hire a guide in order to fully appreciate the museum’s collection and history. Photography is not allowed inside the museum.
Also, dress appropriately as it is a religious site.
2. Amarelli Liquorice Museum
The Amarelli Liquorice Museum is a small museum dedicated entirely to the history of licorice, located in the charming town of Rossano, in Calabria, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the history of licorice production and processing, from antiquity to the present day. Artefacts include old photos, documents, and machines that were used to extract the flavors and aromas from licorice roots.
Don’t miss: The museum also has a tasting room where visitors can try different varieties of licorice, including the famous Rossano Calabro Licorice.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to visit the museum shop where you can buy an assortment of traditional licorice candies, as well as other souvenirs.
If you are a licorice lover, this museum is a must-visit destination!
3. Byzantine Monastery of Santa Maria del Patire
The Byzantine Monastery of Santa Maria del Patire is a historic religious complex located in the town of Rossano, Calabria, Italy.
It was founded in the 6th century and played an important role in the spread of Byzantine culture throughout Southern Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the ancient church, which features stunning Byzantine frescoes and mosaics dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries.
The museum also showcases numerous artifacts and relics from the monastery’s extensive history.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the monastery is the Cattolica, a particularly well-preserved chapel from the 9th century. This small room is covered in intricate frescoes that depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
Insider travel tips: – The monastery can be reached via a steep climb up Rossano’s narrow streets. Wear comfortable shoes and prepare for a bit of a workout.
4. Archeological Park of Sybaris
The Archeological Park of Sybaris is an open-air museum that showcases ancient ruins and artifacts dating back to the Greek colonies in Southern Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the remains of the ancient city of Sybaris, including ruins of temples, residential buildings, and fortifications. Artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, and coins are also on display in the park’s museum.
Don’t miss: The Temple of Hera is a highlight of the park, with its impressive columns and intricate carvings.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the ground is uneven and can be slippery in some areas. Also, consider hiring a guide to get a full understanding of the history and significance of the archeological site.
5. Cathedral of Rossano
The Cathedral of Rossano is a stunning Byzantine church located in the town of Rossano, Calabria, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive architecture and intricate mosaic work that covers the walls and ceiling of the cathedral.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the breathtaking mosaic of Christ Pantocrator located in the apse of the cathedral.
Insider travel tips: To fully appreciate the beauty and historical significance of the cathedral, consider hiring a local guide who can provide in-depth information and context.
Photography is allowed but flash is strictly prohibited.
6. Church of San Nilo
The Church of San Nilo is a historic church located in Rossano, a town in southern Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning Byzantine architecture of the church, which dates back to the 10th century. The interior of the church is also decorated with beautiful frescoes and mosaics.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the church is the crypt, which contains the relics of Saint Nilus the Younger. The crypt is beautifully decorated, and visitors can see the tomb of the saint, as well as other religious artifacts.
Insider travel tips: – Make sure to wear appropriate clothing when visiting, as the church is a religious site and modest dress is required.
7. Castle of Corigliano Calabro
Castle of Corigliano Calabro is a beautiful medieval castle, which was built in the 9th century and later refurbished in 15th century.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s interior and see the various rooms that have been restored to their original splendor. The castle also has a museum that displays various items related to the castle’s history.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the panoramic view of the surrounding Calabrian countryside from the top of the castle tower.
Insider travel tips: To fully appreciate the beauty of this castle, it’s recommended to hire a local guide who can provide more information about the history and architecture of the castle.
Also, try to visit during the summer months when the castle hosts various cultural events and exhibitions.
8. Archaeological Museum of Cosentino
The Archaeological Museum of Cosentino is a museum located in the town of Rossano, in the Calabria region of Italy.
What to see or do: The museum houses a collection of over 1,500 artifacts that span the prehistoric, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras. Visitors can see exhibits of ancient pottery, coins, weapons, and sculptures, among other archaeological finds.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the imposing statue of the “Dying Gaul,” a Roman marble sculpture dating back to the 2nd century AD, which portrays a wounded and defeated warrior.
Also, don’t miss the section dedicated to the Church of San Marco, where visitors can see early Christian artifacts and frescoes.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays and has reduced hours on Sundays.
9. Mangrove Natural Reserve of Rossano
Mangrove Natural Reserve of Rossano is a beautiful coastal reserve located in the town of Rossano, in the region of Calabria, Southern Italy.
What to see or do: This reserve provides a unique opportunity to explore and experience the stunning beauty of mangroves.
You can take a boat tour or walk along the wooden walkway to get a closer look at these incredible plants and the wildlife they support.
Visitors can also explore the nearby ruins of the ancient city of Sybaris.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the rare and incredible plants that call this reserve home. Look out for the unique flora and fauna that thrive in these saltwater environments, such as mangrove crabs and egrets.
Insider travel tips: – It’s best to visit the reserve during the morning or late afternoon, when the sun is not too intense.
10. Byzantine Chapel of San Marco
Byzantine Chapel of San Marco is a historical church in Rossano, Calabria, known for its well-preserved Byzantine frescoes dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the beautiful Byzantine frescoes covering practically every inch of the walls, arches, and ceilings inside the chapel. The artwork depicts scenes from the Old and New Testaments, including the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
Don’t miss: One of the most striking frescoes is the Pantocrator, or Christ the Almighty, which covers the entire ceiling of the chapel.
The mosaic floor, made of small black and white stones, is also a highlight.
Insider travel tips: To truly appreciate the chapel’s artwork, consider hiring a local guide who can provide insight into the meaning and historical significance behind each fresco.
It’s also worth noting that the chapel can be quite dark inside, so a flashlight or camera with a strong flash can come in handy.
11. Archeological Site of Trigona
The archeological site of Trigona in Rossano, Italy, is an ancient Greek colony from the 7th century BCE that was inhabited by various civilizations until the Middle Ages.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the remains of the ancient city walls, the agora, the temples and sanctuaries, and the impressive theater. There is also a museum on site that displays artifacts excavated from the area.
Don’t miss: The theater is the main attraction of the site, with seating capacity for up to 3,000 spectators, it’s the largest well-preserved theater in Calabria.
The panoramic view from the top of the theater is breathtaking and definitely not to be missed.
Insider travel tips: The site is open every day except Mondays.
It’s recommended to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the hottest part of the day.
Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking and uneven terrain to navigate.
12. Church of San Bernardino
The Church of San Bernardino is a beautiful historic church located in the town of Rossano, in Calabria, Southern Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning frescoes that decorate the church’s interior, including works by famous Italian Renaissance artists such as Antonio Vivarini and Carlo Crivelli.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a closer look at the church’s impressive façade, which is adorned with intricate marble bas-reliefs.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. And don’t forget to dress modestly as this is a religious site.
13. Castle of San Giovanni in Fiore
Castle of San Giovanni in Fiore is a medieval fortress located in the town of Rossano, in the Calabria region of southern Italy.
What to see or do: Explore the castle’s towers, walls, and courtyard to get a sense of its rich history. The castle also houses a small archaeological museum with exhibits that illustrate the ancient origins of the area.
Don’t miss: The views from the castle’s towers are stunning and offer a panoramic view of the surrounding town of San Giovanni in Fiore.
Insider travel tips: Best time to visit is during the off-season when the crowds are smaller and you will have more time and space to explore.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs and uneven surfaces to navigate. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat of the day.
14. Church of Santa Maria Odigitria
The Church of Santa Maria Odigitria, also known as the Byzantine Church, is a religious structure located in Rossano, Italy. Built in the 6th century, it is one of the most important Byzantine churches in Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive architecture of the church, featuring a central nave and two side aisles separated by columns. The interior is decorated with beautiful frescoes and mosaics depicting religious scenes.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the 16th-century wooden crucifix, sculpture of Saint Mark, and the icon of the Virgin Odigitria, which is considered the most important Byzantine artwork in southern Italy.
Insider travel tips: The church is open to visitors all year round, except on Mondays.
It is recommended to visit in the morning to avoid crowds and to wear modest attire as it is still a functioning church.
Guided tours are available to learn more about the church’s history and significance.
15. Mutive Museum of Bergamot
What to see or do: Learn about the history and production of Bergamot through interactive exhibits, workshops, and guided tours.
Don’t miss: Trying the local Bergamot products, such as oils, teas, and sweets.
Insider travel tips: Check the museum’s calendar for special events, like the annual Bergamot Festival, and consider taking a scenic drive through the nearby Sila National Park to fully immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty.
✓ You on Insta? 👍@triplyzer✓ Find the best offers on your Stays on 🏡 booking.com
✓ Deals on Private xfers, SIM Cards, City tours, Day trips on 🛵 GetYourGuide | on 🛵 Klook