Attractions and Places To See around Maierato - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Maierato, a municipality in the Province of Vibo Valentia in Calabria, Italy, offer a blend of authentic Italian culture, scenic beauty, and ancient history. The region is characterized by its hilly landscape, with natural features like Lago Angitola and Mount Serralta di San Vito (1023 m). Visitors can explore historical sites such as the ruins of the Dominican Convent and ancient medieval city remains, alongside cultural experiences.
Best attractions and places to see around Maierato
- The most popular attractions is Murat Castle of Pizzo Calabro, a castle that is named after Gioacchino Murat, who was shot here. It offers historical reconstructions and testimonies of these tragic events.
- Another must-see spot is Church of Saint Roch and Saint Francis of Paola, Pizzo, a religious building. This beautiful monastery church features a large viewing terrace with magnificent views of Pizzo.
- Visitors also love Tartufo di Pizzo at Gelateria Dante, a cafe famous for the original Tartufo di Pizzo ice cream. This is where the Tartufo, a unique ice cream creation, was first invented.
- Maierato is known for its historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, enjoy scenic views, and discover local traditions.
- The attractions around Maierato are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 80 upvotes and over 130 photos shared.
Last updated: June 18, 2026
Murat Castle of Pizzo Calabro
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Church of Saint Roch and Saint Francis of Paola, Pizzo
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Tartufo di Pizzo at Gelateria Dante
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Giuseppe De Maria's nephews, who run the Dante and Ercole gelaterias in the center of Pizzo, claim the original recipe.
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Chiesetta di Piedigrotta of Pizzo
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Around 1880, a local artist, Angelo Barone, who had a small stationery shop in the center of the village, decided to dedicate his life to this place; Every day he reached the place on foot and with a pickaxe he enlarged the cave, created two more side ones and filled the rooms with statues representing the life of Jesus and the saints. Angelo died on May 19, 1917, his son Alfonso took over and devoted 40 years of his life to the Church. By his hand it took on its final appearance. He created other groups of statues, capitals with angels, bas-reliefs with sacred scenes, frescoes on the vault of the central nave and on that of the main altar. At his death, there were no sequels.
Unfortunately, the church was vandalized in the early 1960s. A boy (or maybe two) got in and was decapitated with a stick, breaking the limbs of several statues! Fortunately, at the end of the same decade, a nephew of Angelo and Alfonso Barone named Giorgio, from Canada where he had moved to, decided to return to Pizzo and become a renowned sculptor. He was only supposed to stay in his birthplace for two weeks, but after visiting the church and reducing it to a pile of rubble, he decided to try to restore it. He stayed in Pizzo for several months, working non-stop to revive the masterpiece created by his uncles. The restoration was completed in '68 and received official recognition in '69 with a public thanksgiving in the Pizzo Town Hall by Councilor Mannacio and Mayor Amodio.
Text / Source: Società Cooperativa Kairos
chiesadipiedigrotta.it
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Church of Saint George the Martyr (Pizzo)
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Source: it.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiesa_di_San_Giorgio_(Pizzo)
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Tips from the Community
Located a little outside of Pizzo. A well-maintained staircase leads down to the grotto.
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Pizzo - known as the home of the Tartufo ice cream truffle.
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Traditionally produced Tartufo since 1965!!
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A unique little church built directly on the beach. Legend has it that it was built by Neapolitan coral traders who survived a shipwreck. Inside, various sculptures, statues, and decorations carved directly into the rock face are featured. There's an entrance fee (and there's also a nearby parking lot if you arrive by car).
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An excellent starting point for a visit to the historic center of Pizzo Calabro
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A very beautiful church.
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Beautiful fortress with a great history of Napoleon's brother-in-law
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For information about the castle see https://it.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizzo_(comune)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in and around Maierato?
Maierato and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the ancient Murat Castle of Pizzo Calabro, known for its historical reconstructions and as the site of Gioacchino Murat's execution. Within Maierato, explore the remnants of the Dominican Convent and the ancient medieval city remains on a rocky hill near Lago Angitola. Further afield in Vibo Valentia, you'll find the historic Castello Normanno Svevo.
Are there any natural attractions or scenic spots near Maierato?
Yes, Maierato is nestled in a hilly landscape offering picturesque views. A significant natural feature is Lago Angitola, a natural oasis cared for by the WWF. You can also find Mount Serralta di San Vito (1023 m) in the Calabrian Serre mountains nearby, providing a notable natural landmark.
What cultural experiences does Maierato offer?
Maierato is known for its traditional terracotta pottery, with the 'Borgo dei Vasai' (Village of Potters) showcasing artisan workshops. The Museo della Civiltà Contadina provides insight into the region's agricultural heritage through tools, everyday objects, and costumes. In Pizzo, you can experience the unique Tartufo di Pizzo at Gelateria Dante, where this famous ice cream was invented.
Can I find family-friendly attractions around Maierato?
Many attractions in the area are suitable for families. The Murat Castle of Pizzo Calabro offers an engaging historical experience. The Church of Saint Roch and Saint Francis of Paola, Pizzo, and the Gelateria Dante are also noted as family-friendly. The unique Chiesetta di Piedigrotta of Pizzo, carved into a cave with statues, can be a fascinating visit for all ages.
Are there options for outdoor activities like cycling or mountain biking near Maierato?
Absolutely! The hilly landscape around Maierato is ideal for outdoor activities. For cycling enthusiasts, you can explore various routes such as those found in the Cycling around Maierato guide. Road cyclists can find challenging tours in the Road Cycling Routes around Maierato guide, including a ring tour of Lake Angitola. Mountain bikers have options like the 'Lago dell'Angitola - giro ad anello' in the MTB Trails around Maierato guide.
What religious sites are notable in the Maierato area?
The region features several significant religious sites. In Pizzo, you can visit the beautiful Church of Saint Roch and Saint Francis of Paola, a monastery church with a large viewing terrace. The Church of Saint George the Martyr, also in Pizzo, is a Baroque-style church housing a statue attributed to Pietro Bernini. A truly unique site is the Chiesetta di Piedigrotta, a church entirely carved into a cave by local artists.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Maierato?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The historical depth of sites like the Murat Castle of Pizzo Calabro and the unique charm of the Chiesetta di Piedigrotta are highly rated. The scenic views from places like the Church of Saint Roch and Saint Francis of Paola are also a big draw, along with the culinary delight of Tartufo di Pizzo.
Are there any museums in the vicinity of Maierato?
Yes, Maierato itself hosts the Museo della Civiltà Contadina, which offers a glimpse into the region's agricultural past. In nearby Vibo Valentia, you can explore the Museo Archeologico Statale 'V. Capialbi,' displaying artifacts from ancient necropolises, and the Museo di Arte Sacra, preserving ecclesiastical heritage.
What are the best viewpoints for panoramic scenery near Maierato?
For stunning panoramic views, the Murat Castle of Pizzo Calabro offers a splendid vantage point overlooking the sea. Additionally, the Church of Saint Roch and Saint Francis of Paola in Pizzo features a large viewing terrace with magnificent vistas of the town and coastline.
Are there any accessible attractions for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, some attractions in the area are noted for their accessibility. The Church of Saint Roch and Saint Francis of Paola, Pizzo, and Tartufo di Pizzo at Gelateria Dante are listed as wheelchair accessible, allowing more visitors to enjoy these popular spots.
What is the best time of year to visit Maierato for outdoor activities?
The region of Calabria, including Maierato, generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are often considered ideal for outdoor activities. During these periods, the weather is typically pleasant, with comfortable temperatures for exploring historical sites, enjoying scenic walks, and engaging in cycling or mountain biking without the intense heat of summer.
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