Stilo: Monuments that Tell the Story of the Byzantine and Renaissance Dream

Stilo, the "City of the Sun" idealized by its most illustrious son, Tommaso Campanella, is a stage for history where Norman ruins blend with Byzantine elegance. Its monuments are not simply buildings, but carved pages of a past in which monks, philosophers, and warriors left an invaluable legacy, taking visitors on an epic journey through the Calabrian Middle Ages.

1. The Catholic Church: The Summit of Byzantine Architecture

The Cattolica di Stilo is, without a doubt, the city's most iconic monument and the finest example of Byzantine architecture in Calabria. Perched on the slopes of Mount Consolino, it is a marvel of harmony and proportion.

• Name and Structure: The term Cattolica derives from the Greek katholikì , indicating the relevant place of worship. Dating back to the 10th century, it has a rare square plan (in the shape of a Greek cross) surmounted by five domes arranged in a quincunx, a distinctive feature of Eastern churches.
• The Interior: The interior, sober but powerful, still preserves remains of original frescoes columns (reused from previous buildings), among which one stands out with an Arabic , testimony to an incredible cultural crossroads.

2. The Norman Castle: The Fortress on the Cliff

In a dominant position, watching over the village and the entire Stilaro Valley, stands the Norman Castle .

• Construction and History: Probably built in the 11th century at the behest of Roger II the Norman , the castle was the fulcrum of the military defense of the Regio Demanio (the royal domain). Although it is now in ruins due to the centuries and the destruction of war, its perimeter walls and towers offer a strategic and majestic viewpoint.
• Panoramic Access: It can be reached from Cattolica via a suggestive uphill path that offers breathtaking views of the coast and mountains.

3. The Cathedral (Main Church): From Pagan to Baroque

The Cathedral of Stilo (Co-Cathedral of Santa Marina Assunta) represents the historical stratification of the village, evolving through the centuries.

• Fusion of Styles: Built in the 13th-14th century in Gothic-Norman on foundations thought to be an ancient pagan mausoleum, it underwent heavy renovations, particularly after the devastating earthquake of 1783, taking on the Baroque that it largely retains today.
• Works of Art: Inside, you can admire important works, including a monumental altarpiece by the Neapolitan painter Giovan Battista Caracciolo, known as Battistello.

4. The Abbey of St. John Theristis: Greek Monasticism

A short distance from the centre, in the valley below, is the imposing complex of the Abbey of San Giovanni Theristis .

• The Holy Reaper: The abbey is dedicated to Saint John Theristis , the “Holy Reaper”, a Basilian monk who lived in this area between the 10th and 11th centuries.
• Architecture and Relics: The abbey church, rebuilt in Baroque style after the 1783 earthquake, but with visible traces of the original structure (in particular a magnificent dome), houses the relics in a marble ark, testifying to the importance of Eastern monasticism in the "Byzantine Valley of Stilaro".

Other Monuments and Symbols

• The Hermitic “Laure”: The caves on Mount Consolino (the laure ) are monuments of spirituality, ancient homes of the Basilian monks who chose the rock as a place of asceticism and prayer.
• Porta Stefanina: One of the five ancient access gates to the village, still well preserved, which testifies to the medieval walls of Stilo.
• Dolphin Fountain (Gebbia): A Renaissance fountain with a clear Arab influence, a symbol of the importance and civic wealth of the village.

Stilo: The Secrets of a Village Where Philosophy Meets the Sacred Byzantine

Stilo isn't just a village; it's an enigma nestled in the rock, a place where history has left traces as extraordinary as they are unexpected. From the national identity card to philosophical utopias, here are the curiosities that make this "City of the Sun" an unparalleled Calabrian treasure.

1. The Italian Passport Hides the Catholic Church

Few people know that Stilo's symbolic monument has a place of honour in the travel document par excellence: the Italian Passport .

• National Icon: The stylised image of the Cattolica , with its unmistakable five Byzantine domes, is imprinted on the watermark of one of the pages of our passport, placing itself among the great artistic and historical symbols of the country such as Castel del Monte and the Pantheon.
• Reason for Pride: A silent but powerful recognition that elevates this 10th-century masterpiece to a representative icon of Italian cultural identity, particularly for its uniqueness as a testimony to Byzantine architecture.

2. Stilo: The True “City of the Sun”

The village is inextricably linked to the figure of the philosopher Tommaso Campanella , born right here in 1568.

• The Utopian Dream: Campanella, a Dominican friar and groundbreaking thinker, set his celebrated philosophical and utopian treatise, "The City of the Sun" ( Civitas Solis ), in an ideal society governed by reason and science. Although his utopia was imaginary, the nickname stuck in his hometown, making Stilo the place where the dream of reason took shape.
• The Disappeared Cell: It is possible to visit the places linked to his passage, in particular the area of ​​the former Convent of San Domenico , where his humble cell was located and where much of his thought matured, before his troubled judicial events.

3. The Arabic Inscription in the Byzantine Church

Inside the Cattolica lies one of the most fascinating curiosities that bears witness to the complex cultural interweavings of medieval Calabria.

• The Enigmatic Column: One of the four columns supporting the internal structure features a unique inscription in Arabic . It is hypothesized that this column comes from a pre-existing building, perhaps an ancient temple or even a mosque following a brief period of domination, demonstrating how Eastern influence and the interaction between cultures were a tangible reality in Stilo.
• Templar Symbols: Still inside, on a column to the right of the entrance, some scholars have interpreted a cross with Greek letters as a possible reference to the Knights Templar , adding a further veil of mystery to the history of the place.

4th Palio di Ribusa: Reliving the Calabrian Renaissance

Every year, Stilo doesn't just remember its past, but brings it back to life with one of the most authentic historical reenactments in Southern Italy.

• The Medieval Fair: The Palio di Ribusa , which takes place on the first Sunday of August, is not just a knightly competition, but the re-enactment of the ancient “Fiera di Ribusa”, documented as early as 1600.
• Total Immersion: For a few days, the village is transformed into an open-air theatre: jugglers, minstrels and artisans bring to life a historic market , where it is even possible to purchase with the Ribuso , the ancient coin minted for the occasion, offering an immersive experience in the Calabrian Renaissance.

The Eminent Figures of Stilo: Geniuses, Saints and Visionaries Native to the City of the Sun

Stilo, a Byzantine gem nestled in the Calabrian mountains, has given birth to figures whose influence has transcended regional and time boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the history of philosophy, religion, and culture. Its rugged and spiritual land has shaped brilliant minds and dedicated souls, making the village not only a monumental site but a true hotbed of genius .

1. Fra' Tommaso Campanella: The Philosopher of Utopia

The name of Stilo resonates throughout the world thanks to its most illustrious son: Giovanni Domenico Campanella , universally known as Fra' Tommaso Campanella (Stilo, 1568 – Paris, 1639).

• The Reforming Genius: Campanella was a philosopher, theologian, and poet of immense stature, whose thought was revolutionary for his time. Having entered the Dominican order at a very young age, he became a fervent critic of traditional Aristotelianism and a staunch supporter of natural philosophy .
• The City of the Sun: His most famous work, "The City of the Sun" ( Civitas Solis ), is a utopian treatise written during his long years of imprisonment in Naples (he was persecuted by the Inquisition and Spain for his libertarian ideas and for an anti-Spanish conspiracy). The work describes an ideal republic based on science, reason, and communion, a dream of a perfect society that ideally connects to his place of origin.
• Global Legacy: His figure embodies Calabria's tension between political repression and an irrepressible desire for intellectual freedom, making him a thinker of European significance.

2. St. John Theristis: The Holy Reaper

In the spirituality of Stilo, a prominent figure is Saint John Theristis ( Saint John the Reaper ), an emblematic example of the Greek-Byzantine monasticism that flourished in the Stilaro Valley.

• The Hermit's Life: Born in Stilo or its immediate vicinity in the 10th century, Theristis lived a life of asceticism and contemplation. Legend has it that he devoted himself to prayer and work in the fields, earning the nickname "Reaper" thanks to a miracle related to the wheat harvest.
• The Connection with the Abbey: His relics are preserved in the Abbey of San Giovanni Theristis of the same name (although the current building was rebuilt in Baroque style), which for centuries was one of the most important centers of Basilian (of the Greek Orthodox rite) in Calabria, reaffirming the profoundly oriental identity of Stilo.

3. Luigi Cunsolo: The Writer and Poet

Closer to modern times, Stilo celebrated the intellect of Luigi Cunsolo (Stilo, 1904 – 1972), a leading figure in the Calabrian literary and cultural scene.

• Voice of Calabria: Cunsolo was an esteemed writer, poet and translator , whose work was often dedicated to celebrating and describing his land with passion and rigour.
• A Commitment to Culture: His work was not only literary, but also a strong civic commitment in the promotion of Calabrian culture and history, leaving a legacy that still contributes to the rediscovery of the Stylite identity.

These illustrious natives, each in their own way – with the philosophical depth of Campanella, the sanctity of Theristis and the literary voice of Cunsolo – have transformed the history of Stilo from a mere local event to a heritage of humanity .

Stilo at the Table: The Soul of Calabria Between Authentic Flavors and Byzantine Tradition

The cuisine of Stilo and the entire Stilaro Valley is a celebration of the simplicity and richness of the region. From the wild herbs that flourish on the slopes of Mount Consolino to the unmistakable flavors of Locride , every recipe tells a tale of rural, monastic, and maritime life. Forget about adulteration: here, the true art lies in transforming humble ingredients into delicious masterpieces.

1. The King of the Table: Terrigni First Courses

In Stilo, pasta isn't just a food, but the center of conviviality, almost always handmade and seasoned with the most authentic flavors.

A. “Fileja” with Goat Ragù or Sausage

Fileja (or filateddhi ) are the fresh pasta par excellence of central and southern Calabria.

• Artisanal Processing: They look like cords twisted around a knitting needle (the ferretto ), creating a helical shape perfect for capturing the seasoning.
• Robust Sauce: Traditionally, in Stilo and the surrounding area, they are enhanced by long, powerful sauces. The classic is goat ragù , or alternatively, flavorful pork ragù enriched with pieces of local sausage (often spicy), a tribute to the Calabrian pork butcher's tradition.

B. Lagane and Cicciari (Pasta and Chickpeas)

A humble yet essential dish, a legacy of monastic and peasant cuisine, where legumes are the true protagonists.

• Lagane: They are a short, wide pasta, similar to rustic tagliatelle but without egg, whose name derives from the ancient Greek term laganon .
• The Dressing: They are served with chickpeas ( cicciari ), flavoured with garlic, bay leaves and a generous drizzle of Locride Extra Virgin Olive Oil (also produced in the Stilo area), in a perfect balance between earth and simplicity.

2. The “Taste of the Sea and Mountains”: Second Courses and Side Dishes

Although Stilo is a mountain village, its proximity to the Ionian Sea has shaped a cuisine that doesn't renounce either meat or fish.

A. Stocco alla Mammolese (or alla Stilita)

Stockfish cod , not to be confused with salted cod) is incredibly popular in Calabrian cuisine, especially in the surrounding area of ​​Mammola and, by extension, in Stilo.

• Preparation: The cod is soaked for a long time and then cooked in a rich stew with garden produce: tomatoes, onions (often the red ones from Tropea), potatoes cut into large pieces, black olives and, of course, chilli pepper ( diavulillu ).
• Historical Contrast: This dish, seemingly strange in a southern context, is a testimony to the distant maritime trade between the Mediterranean and Norway.

B. Peppers and Potatoes (Peppers and Potatoes)

The most typical and essential side dish that often turns into a main dish.

• Summer Essence: Peppers (yellow and red) and potatoes are chopped and cooked in a pan, blending with olive oil and basil.
• Enriched Variation: In some versions, pieces of dried sausage or “cruschi” peppers (dried and quickly fried peppers) are added to give crunchiness and a more intense flavor.

3. Sweetness and Local Products

The confectionery tradition, linked to religious festivals, is robust, but Stilo's excellence is also found in the products that define its landscape.

A. The Bivongi DOC wine

Although Stilo does not produce wine directly, it is an integral part of the production area of ​​Bivongi DOC , a fine local wine.

• Character of the Territory: A wine, in its Red (with a predominance of Gaglioppo and Greco Nero) and White , which perfectly accompanies the robustness of the local flavours and is an excellent ambassador of the Stilaro Valley.

B. Easter and Holiday Sweets

During the holidays, especially Easter, it is customary to prepare dry and leavened sweets:

• Cuzzupa: The quintessential Easter dessert, a soft dough made of flour, eggs, and sugar, often decorated with hard-boiled eggs and colored sprinkles, a symbol of good luck.
• Nepitelle: Small sweets filled with a rich mixture of figs, walnuts, almonds, cocoa, and sometimes honey, perfect for ending a sumptuous meal.