Pizzo
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 6 January 2023
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Situated just a short distance north of Vibo Valentia, the seaside town of Pizzo is one of the most popular resorts in Calabria.
The town is split into several areas, including an old town with a great selection of restaurants and gelaterias. One of the favourite ice-creams on sale here is the "Tartufo di Pizzo", a kind of chocolate bomb that resembles a truffle, from which it takes its name. One of the best things to do in Pizzo is have an ice-cream and then take a stroll around Piazza della Repubblica and its belvedere. |
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The belvedere, or viewing area in English, is situated at one end of the piazza and looks down on to Pizzo's main beach area with its crystalline waters. Look back towards the town from here and there are a series of grand palazzi lining the square, along with a collection of al-fresco dining options.
The most historic building in the town is Castello Murat. The castle was built in the 15th century by the ruling Aragonese but it's most famous for, and now named after, the French general Joachim Murat who was executed here in 1815 after trying to incite an unpopular rebellion against the Bourbons.
From the piazza in the old town you can take the staircase down to the beach area. This is almost a little community in itself with a small number of bars, restaurants and accommodation. If you continue to follow the beach as it moves away from Castello Murat and the main marina, you eventually reach Pizzo Train Station, around one and a half kilometres outside the town.
From Pizzo train station you can head north up to the town of Lamezia Terme which has an international airport, a journey time of around 20 minutes, or alternatively, you can take the 28 minute train ride south to Tropea, stopping along the way at Vibo Marina, Briatico and Marina di Zambrone.
It's fairly straightforward to reach Pizzo by car as well; the main motorway between Salerno and Reggio Calabria has a junction very close to Pizzo and it's a pleasant little drive from there to the town centre. Along that stretch of road, before you reach Pizzo itself you'll pass the quirky Chiesetta di Piedigrotta, a church next to the beach hewn out of the rock.
The most historic building in the town is Castello Murat. The castle was built in the 15th century by the ruling Aragonese but it's most famous for, and now named after, the French general Joachim Murat who was executed here in 1815 after trying to incite an unpopular rebellion against the Bourbons.
From the piazza in the old town you can take the staircase down to the beach area. This is almost a little community in itself with a small number of bars, restaurants and accommodation. If you continue to follow the beach as it moves away from Castello Murat and the main marina, you eventually reach Pizzo Train Station, around one and a half kilometres outside the town.
From Pizzo train station you can head north up to the town of Lamezia Terme which has an international airport, a journey time of around 20 minutes, or alternatively, you can take the 28 minute train ride south to Tropea, stopping along the way at Vibo Marina, Briatico and Marina di Zambrone.
It's fairly straightforward to reach Pizzo by car as well; the main motorway between Salerno and Reggio Calabria has a junction very close to Pizzo and it's a pleasant little drive from there to the town centre. Along that stretch of road, before you reach Pizzo itself you'll pass the quirky Chiesetta di Piedigrotta, a church next to the beach hewn out of the rock.
Comune di Pizzo
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Province: Vibo Valentia
Region: Calabria Population: 8,878 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Size: 22 km² Maximum elevation: 44 metres Highlights: beach, Castello Murat, Chiesetta di Piedigrotta Close by: Vibo Marina, Briatico, Marina di Zambrone, Tropea Recommended accommodation: Piccolo Grand Hotel |
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