Badolato - Ancient and Beautiful

The ancient walled city of Badolato, nestled in the rugged hills of the Ionian coast, was founded by the Duke of Calabria in 1081. Bordered by both the Mediterranean Sea and the Gallipari river valley, there are stunning views to be had in this beautiful region. Continue reading

Images of Badolato

From ancient to modern...

In the 11th Century this landscape was very much in flux, with skirmishes taking place between feudal families and invading foreigners. Built originally as a defensive village, the narrow streets of Badolato cling to the hillside and rise steeply upwards in concentric circles. Many ancient buildings in Calabria have been destroyed by earthquakes, but Badolato's oldest quarter is generally well-preserved. Two 12th century watchtowers gaze vigilantly out to sea, where invading Saracens and Turks often sailed from to attack this wealthy coastline.

Despite the repeated invasions of Calabria during this period, Badolato's fortune grew, with chapels, churches and palazzos being built to line the streets. Wealthy families ruled this area and it was for the most part a feudal system, but it was also an incredibly religious place. Each family had its own chapel, and myriad religious orders were attracted to the town. The monasteries of Santa Maria degli Angeli and Madonna della Sanita are still inhabited today and are well worth a visit.

As well as the monasteries, the water of Badolato also attracted pilgrims from across the region as it was noted for its exceptional purity and healing powers. The mellifluous spring still attracts visitors, especially limoncello makers who use the water for their liqueur.

The main attractions of modern Badolato are the pace of life, the unspoiled countryside and coastline. It is a town steeped in history and the atmosphere envelopes any traveller who stays to explore. There is even a growing community of bohemians who visit the town throughout the year to soak up the atmosphere.

These new inhabitants tend to live in the old town, high up on the hill. Modern Badolatans however have long since moved towards the sea, and the new part of town at the bottom of the hill is where you'll find the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As more people move into the town however, the oldest part is becoming inhabited once again in a bid to recapture the spirit of former days.

Like all of the coastal towns of Calabria, the crystal clear sea of Badolato is perfect for swimming, diving and water sports. The new part of town includes a thriving Marina with all the modern conveniences you need to really enjoy the water. From boat trips to diving lessons, you can experience a wide range of activities on the azure sea.

The infrastructure of this little town has been improved greatly in recent years in a bid by the government to regenerate the region. The influx of foreign visitors searching for history and culture has sparked a growth in conveniences such as shops and restaurants too. The property market is growing, with refurbished medieval villas available to buy or more modern apartments, all with absolutely stunning views across the mountains and the bay.

More Reading

• Badolato in Detail - from Wikipedia

Badolato from the air