What an adventure today! First was a visit to Pizzo Calabro.
Pizzo is a seaport commune in the province of Vibo Valentia. It stands on a steep cliff overlooking the Gulf of Saint Euphemia. It’s quaint and old but has become a modern town that caters towards tourists, with a large piazza where you can sit down and enjoy a coffee, gelato or meal. Below are 3 different views of the large square.
-
Town square where you can enjoy a Tartuffo
-
Town square where you can enjoy a meal
-
Town square where you can enjoy a coffee
Pizzo is famous for its Tartufo, a ball of ice cream filled with molten chocolate. It was too early in the morning for an ice cream but we made do with an espresso and pastry. Yum.
Pizzo is also known as a city of love on account of the steep staircase in the historic centre named “vicolo dei baci” (kissing alley) and you can find art in many forms dedicated to the theme of love throughout the town. I found one alley with plastic containers, vividly painted with faces, that were converted to planters. What a wonderful idea and one I’m going to try at home.
-
Iron gate with hearts
-
Alley of kisses
-
The planters are detergent containers, painted and put upside down on wall
-
Close-up of planters
Pizzo has an old castle built in the 15th century where Joachim Murat, ex-king of Naples and brother-in-law of Napoleon, was shot. To get to the castle, you can rent these amazing taxis where the driver somehow seems to match the car perfectly!
-
Castle 15th century
-
Unique taxi and driver
Just before you enter the historic centre, you walk by a beautiful church dedicated to San Rocco and San Francesco di Paola.
-
Chiesa di San Rocco
-
Chiesa di San Rocco
-
Interior of Chiesa di San Rocco
-
Beautiful mosaic in Chiesa di San Rocco
-
Art in Chiesa di San Rocco
-
Bronze doors dedicated to San Francesco di Paola
-
We continued walking through the streets, visiting the fun shops and peeking into alley ways where vibrant colours and beautiful views were the norm.
-
15th century Fontana Garibaldi- locals say it has medicinal water which can cure certain diseases
-
Artisan shop with art dedicated to Calabria’s famous hot red peppers
-
Artisan Food Shop
-
Colourful Alley
-
Beautiful alley
-
Local street heading to old town
-
Beautiful alley - what a view!
-
Cats are everywhere in Pizzo and they are well cared for - like tourists!
I left Pizzo wanting to come back to explore this gem further. Now onwards to Tropea, another gem of Calabria!