Scolacium Archaeological Park

Catanzaro, Italy

The Archaeological park of Scolacium hosts the ruins of the ancient Greek City of Skilletion that became a Roman colony after the war against Hannibal, and assumed the name of Minervia Scolacium. Little remains of the pre-Roman settlement, while the structure of the Roman colony and rests of paved roads and aqueduct, of the thermal plant, the amphitheater and the theater are still visible. The theater lies on a natural hill slope and could seat about 5000 people. It was built during the 1st century AD, and was equipped with a new scene when the new colony was founded by Nerva.

In the same period, the town became a considerable monumental center with developed built-up areas. The theater was subject to successive renewals till the 4th century AD. Most materials discovered during digging campaigns come from the theater and include remarkable architectural fragments and sculpted groups. Close to the theater, rests of the amphitheater were found, whose construction dates back to Nerva times. The Park also hosts the Basilica of Santa Maria di Roccella, founded between the 11th and 12th centuries following the canons of the Romanic art with Byzantine and Arab influences.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1st century AD
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Italy

More Information

www.turiscalabria.it

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Nick OKeefe (16 months ago)
One of the best archaeological sites I've been to in Italy
Luigi Bagnato (16 months ago)
Great energy. Location and light at sunset are fantastic
daniel Zongrone (17 months ago)
Wonderful visit
Mike Seigel (2 years ago)
Really interesting site
Marguerite Miller (2 years ago)
Italy is full of ruins and history. This site is no exception other than tranquility found at the off-the-beaten path location among olive trees and within site of the sea. My second visit.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Santa Maria in Trastevere

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I. 

The inscription on the episcopal throne states that this is the first church in Rome dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A Christian house-church was founded here about 220 by Pope Saint Callixtus I (217-222) on the site of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was made available for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus when he settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers.

The church underwent two restorations in the fifth and eighth centuries and in 1140-43 it was re-erected on its old foundations under Pope Innocent II.