Discovering Underground Calabria
Calabria is not just crystal clear seas, historic villages and authentic flavours. There is a lesser known side, made of millenary caves, ancient shelters and rock settlements, which tell stories of lost civilizations and landscapes shaped by nature. This trip to Underground Calabria is perfect for those seeking unique experiences and alternative itineraries, including archaeology, adventure and mysterious charm.
The Caves of Zungri – The “Petra” of Calabria
One of the most striking sites in Underground Calabria is undoubtedly Zungri, a rock village located inland from Tropea. This complex of rock-cut dwellings dates back to the early Middle Ages and is often compared to the famous city of Petra. As you walk through the caves, you can admire ancient cisterns, mills and rock dwellings, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the people who once inhabited these places.
Not to be missed: the Museum of Rock Civilization, where artifacts testifying to life in the village carved out of rock are on display.
The Underground of Santa Severina – A Castle Under the Castle
Santa Severina, one of Calabria’s most fascinating villages, hides a secret beneath its imposing Norman Castle. A complex of tunnels, secret passages and ancient dungeons, carved directly into the rock, tells stories of battles, defensive strategies and mysterious underground passages used over the centuries.
Not to be missed: the guided tour that leads to the discovery of the secret prisons and escape tunnels, for an immersive experience between history and legend.
The Sea Caves of Capo Vaticano – A Hidden Paradise Under the Sea
For those who love underwater adventures, Underground Calabria continues even below sea level. The Sea Caves of Capo Vaticano are a spectacle of nature, with underwater caverns, hidden passages and rock formations sculpted by the waves over millennia. Exploreable by boat excursions or guided dives, these caves offer breathtaking scenery amid plays of light and turquoise water.
Not to be missed: the Skeleton Cave, one of the most striking, where the light creates surreal reflections inside the cavity.
The Underground of Gerace – A Labyrinth between History and Mystery
Gerace, one of the most fascinating villages in Calabria, guards a veritable labyrinth of caves, tunnels and ancient cisterns, dating back to medieval times, in its subsoil.
These underground rooms, still partly unexplored, were used for water storage, as defensive shelters or to hide treasures and relics. Walking under the houses and churches of the village, one discovers secrets kept for centuries, amid legends of secret passages and ancient prisons.
Not to be missed: a guided tour of the crypts of medieval churches and the underground rooms carved into the rock, for a dive into Gerace’s most hidden history.
Conclusion: A Journey into the Secret Heart of Calabria
Exploring Underground Calabria means going beyond traditional tourist destinations, immersing yourself in a world of history, mystery and unspoiled nature. From rock villages to sea caves, from secret tunnels to prehistoric sanctuaries, this trip is an extraordinary experience for those seeking authenticity, adventure and deep contact with the land. Discover the most fascinating itineraries of hidden Calabria at TheRealCalabria.com.
