Taverna
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Latest page update: 19 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Taverna
Taverna, a historic town in Calabria’s Catanzaro province, is well known as the birthplace of the painter Mattia Preti and for its location in the Sila National Park. Accommodation in the centre is mainly guesthouses and smaller residences, so for established hotels the best options are found in the wider province.
In Catanzaro Lido, Best Western Plus Hotel Perla del Porto offers modern rooms, a spa, restaurant and sea views, regularly praised for its comfort and facilities (€€€). Also in Catanzaro, Hotel Guglielmo provides central accommodation with well-equipped rooms, on-site dining and consistently positive reviews for service (€€). Another choice is Hotel Palace in Catanzaro Lido, featuring seafront rooms, a restaurant and convenient access to the beach (€€).
In Catanzaro Lido, Best Western Plus Hotel Perla del Porto offers modern rooms, a spa, restaurant and sea views, regularly praised for its comfort and facilities (€€€). Also in Catanzaro, Hotel Guglielmo provides central accommodation with well-equipped rooms, on-site dining and consistently positive reviews for service (€€). Another choice is Hotel Palace in Catanzaro Lido, featuring seafront rooms, a restaurant and convenient access to the beach (€€).
Where is
Where is Taverna?
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The town of Taverna is situated within the Province of Catanzaro and has a population of 2,599 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 521 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 132 km². Recommended accommodation is the Il Semaforo Sila B&B e Sport Hotel while nearby places of interest include Sorbo San Basile, Squillace, Catanzaro Lido and Caminia. |
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Comune di Taverna
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Province: Catanzaro
Region: Calabria Population: 2,509 (in 2024 - source) Size: 132 km² Elevation: 521 metres Close by: Sorbo San Basile, Squillace, Catanzaro Lido, Caminia Recommended stay: Il Semaforo Sila B&B e Sport Hotel |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Listed since: 2016
1 of 6 in Calabria listed by Touring Club Italiano
Listed since: 2016
1 of 6 in Calabria listed by Touring Club Italiano
What People Ask About Taverna, Calabria
Is Taverna worth visiting?
How do I get to Taverna?
What are the main attractions in Taverna?
When is the best time to visit Taverna?
How long should I stay in Taverna?
Related links
Discover
Discover Taverna
Taverna is a historic town in the province of Catanzaro, set on the slopes of the Sila Piccola within the Sila National Park. Surrounded by forests, rivers, and mountain valleys, it occupies a scenic position where the foothills of the Calabrian Apennines descend towards the plains of the Gulf of Squillace. The medieval centre is characterised by stone houses, narrow alleys, and stepped streets that preserve its ancient urban structure, while the surrounding landscape reflects a long harmony between settlement and nature.
The town is best known as the birthplace of the Baroque painter Mattia Preti, whose works are displayed in the Civic Museum of Taverna and in local churches such as the Church of San Domenico. Other landmarks include the Church of Santa Barbara and remnants of medieval fortifications that recall Taverna’s past importance. The nearby upland villages and forest trails provide access to the natural beauty of the Sila Mountains, while its proximity to Catanzaro and Sorbo San Basile connects it to both the cultural and natural heart of Calabria.
The town is best known as the birthplace of the Baroque painter Mattia Preti, whose works are displayed in the Civic Museum of Taverna and in local churches such as the Church of San Domenico. Other landmarks include the Church of Santa Barbara and remnants of medieval fortifications that recall Taverna’s past importance. The nearby upland villages and forest trails provide access to the natural beauty of the Sila Mountains, while its proximity to Catanzaro and Sorbo San Basile connects it to both the cultural and natural heart of Calabria.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Taverna
- Centro Storico di Taverna lies nestled in the foothills of the Sila mountains, its streets weaving among stone houses, narrow alleys, and small piazzas. The village radiates a peaceful mountain atmosphere, with views over wooded hills and valleys. Small squares reveal ancient fountains and quiet spots. Walking here offers a glimpse into a place where history and natural beauty meet.
- Museo Nazionale della Sila is located in Taverna, showcasing archaeological finds, traditional crafts, and natural history related to the Sila region. The museum offers insights into the area’s past, from ancient settlements to rural traditions. It remains an important cultural centre and educational resource.
- Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore stands in the village centre, its simple façade leading to an interior decorated with frescoes and sacred artworks. The church has been a spiritual anchor for Taverna’s community over the centuries. It remains a valued place of worship and local heritage.
- Piazza San Domenico serves as Taverna’s social hub, bordered by traditional houses, cafés, and shops selling local products. The square hosts markets, festivals, and gatherings under the mountain skies. Cobblestones and natural surroundings create a welcoming atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to experience village life and customs.
- Guided cultural and nature tours in Taverna take visitors through historic streets, museum exhibits, and nearby forest trails within the Sila National Park. Local guides share stories of ancient peoples, mountain traditions, and the region’s biodiversity. Tours often include tastings of local cheeses, honey, and Calabrian wines. Exploring reveals Taverna’s blend of rich history and natural beauty.
Tours and Activities
Taverna Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Taverna Photo Gallery
Calabria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Calabria
1. Tropea
2. Pizzo
3. Scilla
4. Sila National Park
5. Le Castella
6. Capo Vaticano
7. Pentedattilo
8. Santa Severina
9. Riace Bronzes
10. Altomonte
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Calabria
1. Tropea
2. Pizzo
3. Scilla
4. Sila National Park
5. Le Castella
6. Capo Vaticano
7. Pentedattilo
8. Santa Severina
9. Riace Bronzes
10. Altomonte
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Calabria
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Taverna
By Rail: Taverna does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Catanzaro, about 30 kilometres away, on the Lamezia Terme–Catanzaro Lido line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect Catanzaro to Lamezia Terme in around 1 hour and to Soverato in about 35 minutes. From Catanzaro, local buses and taxis provide regular connections to Taverna, located inland within the Sila Piccola area.
By Road: Taverna is situated in central Calabria, about 35 kilometres northeast of Catanzaro. The drive takes roughly 45 minutes via the SP25 and SP31 roads. From Lamezia Terme, the distance is around 65 kilometres, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A2 motorway and SS280. The town is accessible from the Sila National Park road network, with parking available near the historic centre and visitor areas.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Taverna is situated in central Calabria, about 35 kilometres northeast of Catanzaro. The drive takes roughly 45 minutes via the SP25 and SP31 roads. From Lamezia Terme, the distance is around 65 kilometres, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A2 motorway and SS280. The town is accessible from the Sila National Park road network, with parking available near the historic centre and visitor areas.
Nearest International Airports:
- Lamezia Terme International Airport: Located about 65 kilometres west of Taverna, with a drive of around 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A2 motorway and SS280. This is the most convenient airport, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
- Crotone–Sant’Anna Airport: Situated roughly 80 kilometres southeast, taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes by car via the SS106 and SP25. It provides limited domestic connections.
- Reggio Calabria Airport: Approximately 175 kilometres southwest, with a journey time of around 2 hours and 40 minutes via the A2 motorway. It offers regular regional and national services.
Private Transfers
Taverna Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and reliable way to travel to or from Taverna, providing a direct journey without the need to drive or rely on public transport. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken straight to your destination by a professional local driver.
Lamezia Terme International Airport is the most convenient airport for arrivals and departures, easily reached by road. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Sorbo San Basile, Catanzaro, and Villaggio Mancuso, or to other mountain areas and nature spots within the Sila Piccola region.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Lamezia Terme International Airport is the most convenient airport for arrivals and departures, easily reached by road. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Sorbo San Basile, Catanzaro, and Villaggio Mancuso, or to other mountain areas and nature spots within the Sila Piccola region.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
