NICASTRO CENTER

These streets and squares are all located in the historic center of Nicastro, Lamezia Terme, within walking distance of each other.
* Via Isonzo is one of the main arteries that runs along the center, facilitating access to the upper district. Its characteristic features are its narrow street, its small balconies overlooking the street, and the cloisters that extend all the way to Via Crocefisso and Piazza Mercato Vecchio.
* Via Crocefisso is a characteristic street that winds through the heart of the historic district, famous for its shops until a few years ago. It ends at Via Indipendenza, which leads to the Sanctuary of Sant'Antonio and the historic bar and Palazzo Ferrise. The bar is now a restaurant.
Piazza Bovio is a central landmark for Nicastro, a lively area in the 1960s known for its open-air market.
Piazza Mercato Vecchio was historically the commercial heart of the city; today, it is a lively area full of clubs and bars, the hub of Lamezia Terme's nightlife. Here you'll find the famous Coneria Italiana and the historic Pasticceria Federico, where you can enjoy the famous "muzzunata" with brioche.
The steps leading down from Corso Numistrano are historic and evocative.
From the square, you can access the historic Palazzo Nicotera-Severisio, which, along with Piazza Mercato Nuovo, represent two hubs of city life, for culture and daily commerce respectively. The former is an important historic residence located in Piazzetta Tommaso Campanella, while the latter houses the lively Mercato Coperto. Palazzo Nicotera was built in the mid-18th century by Domenico Nicotera. This building is an example of Calabrian courtly architecture, reflecting the taste of the aristocracy of the time.
Today, it houses the "Oreste Borrello" Municipal Library, the Casa del Libro Antico (House of Ancient Books), and the Lamezia Terme Library System.
It is also known as the "Palazzo delle Monachelle" (Palace of the Nuns) because in the 19th century it was a children's institute run by nuns. There was a "wheel" for abandoning newborns.
The building served as a courthouse during the 20th century before being purchased by the municipality in the 1990s.
Piazza Mercato Nuovo is located a short distance from the main roads of the center; the square is the historic commercial heart of the neighborhood. In the evening, the square comes alive with many highly sought-after eateries serving fine food, along with those in Piazza Stocco behind Corso Numistrano, under the Cathedral.
Mercato Coperto: This market is the go-to place for purchasing local products, generally open Monday through Saturday from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
These locations form an ideal route for strolling among the historical beauties and noble palaces of the Nicastro neighborhood.

SAN DOMENICO MONUMENTAL COMPLEX

The San Domenico Monumental Complex, located in the heart of Nicastro in Lamezia Terme, is one of the city's most important cultural centers. Founded as a Dominican convent in 1506, the building has hosted illustrious figures such as the philosopher Tommaso Campanella, who studied there in 1598. For years, it was home to the historic Francesco Fiorentino Classical High School.
Today, the complex is a multifunctional center that includes:
The Cloister: A recently restored, evocative space that serves as the hub for cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals such as Trame.
* Lamezia Terme Archaeological Museum: Located on the first floor, it houses artifacts that tell the story of the Lamezia plain from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages.
Hours: Usually open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (closed Sundays). It is recommended to check the current status as some sources report it as temporarily closed.
Cost: Admission is free.
The complex regularly hosts initiatives such as educational workshops for children (e.g., "Minecraft on the Trail of History"), photography exhibitions, and the famous Trame Festival (a festival of books about the mafia).
Let's recap: the Cloister of San Domenico, located in the heart of the Nicastro district of Lamezia Terme, is one of the city's main cultural centers. Part of the Monumental Complex of San Domenico, it now houses the Chiostro Caffè Letterario and the Lamezia Terme Archaeological Museum. The complex was founded in 1501 by Count Marcantonio Caracciolo and entrusted to the Dominican Fathers. Illustrious Guests: Between 1586 and 1588, the philosopher Tommaso Campanella stayed here to further his studies in the convent's extensive library.
Transformations: After the violent earthquake of 1638, the entire complex was rebuilt in Baroque style. Over the centuries, the building has changed functions several times, serving as military barracks and as a secondary school.
The cloister is now a lively social and cultural hub, a space for reading, studying, and socializing, equipped with a café and a small library.
* Lametino Archaeological Museum: Located on the first floor of the complex, it houses artifacts from prehistory to the Middle Ages from the surrounding area.
The courtyard regularly hosts concerts, book presentations, photography exhibitions, and nationally important festivals such as Trame and the Ormeggi Festival.
Literary Café Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 5:00 PM –9:00 PM
* Sunday and Monday: Closed.
The facility also hosts archery courses and meetings of the local chess association.

BELLA NEIGHBORHOOD AND ITS CHURCHES

In the Bella neighborhood of Lamezia Terme, the main religious landmarks are the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Spina.
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Also known as the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, it is the parish church located in the neighborhood's main square, Piazza Roma.
Originally built in 1835 with a single nave, it was later expanded to three naves between 1867 and 1883. The monumental façade houses a fresco of the Madonna and Child.
Characterized by decorated barrel vaults, exquisite frescoes, and ornamental stucco.
The patronal feast dedicated to Mary, Mother of All Graces, is celebrated on September 8th.
Sanctuary of the Madonna della Spina

Located in the highest part of the neighborhood, this small sacred building is linked to an ancient folk tradition.
It is said that a farmer had a vision of the "Beautiful Lady" who told him to cut down a thorn bush, revealing an ancient fresco of the Madonna and Child.
The church has a simple façade with an arched portal and a bell tower with three bells, one dating back to 1663.
The feast of the Madonna della Spina, with its traditional procession, is held every year on May 31st.

ARCH OF SAINT ANTHONY

This is the Arch of Saint Anthony in Nicastro di Lamezia Terme, a historic structure located in the Nicastro district, originally built over a masonry bridge that crossed the Canne stream.
The arch was built around 1685 at the behest of Father Antonio da Olivadi, superior of the Capuchin monastery.
It was built along with a masonry bridge (which replaced an earlier wooden one) to facilitate the passage of pilgrims heading to the sanctuary.
Atop the arch was a small stone statue of Saint Anthony facing the city of Nicastro, symbolizing the Saint's protection of the community. The arch no longer exists; it was demolished in the past because it was considered unsafe following structural work.
The Arch of Saint Anthony in Lamezia Terme was a historic structure located in the Nicastro district, originally built over a masonry bridge that crossed the Canne stream.It was the Capuchin Father Antonio da Olivadi, the same man who commissioned the current Nicastro statue of the patron saint in Naples, who had the masonry bridge built around 1685, replacing the wooden one, to facilitate pilgrims' access to the convent. The bridge was also surmounted by the large arch, at the top of which was placed a stone statue of the Saint facing the city. The arch collapsed following the terrible earthquake of 1783, but miraculously the statue was recovered intact from the rubble and relocated to a niche on the façade of the Capuchin church, above the main entrance, where it remains today. It is still possible today to admire the bridge and the arch in their original form in a splendid drawing dated around 1760, preserved in the State Archives, which portrays the view of the “Piazza Grande di Nicastro”, approximately the current Piazza Mercato Vecchio: this outlet, which was accessed via the bridge, was an obligatory passage point, and also a point of trade, along the route connecting the two seas, on the northern side of the Lamezia plain. (Partly source Il Lametino).

CORSO NUMISTRANO

Corso Numistrano is the historic heart and "salon" of Lamezia Terme, located in the Nicastro district. It is one of the city's most elegant urban spaces, characterized by wide sidewalks and a lively urban atmosphere, ideal for a stroll among monuments, shops, and historic venues. What to see: The avenue is home to some of the city's main religious and cultural symbols:
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Lamezia Terme's main place of worship. Recently restored, it houses valuable works of art such as silver busts and a monumental pulpit. The Church of Santa Caterina, the Monumental Complex of San Domenico, located at the intersection with Corso Giovanni Nicotera, includes the church of the same name (where the philosopher Tommaso Campanella studied) and the cloister, now home to the Lamezia Terme Archaeological Museum.
Continuing toward the end of the street and towards the mountains that mark the beginning of the pre-Sila, you'll come across the statue dedicated to the Swabian Emperor Frederick II, which dominates the view of the Norman-Swabian Castle located on the hill above. After the statue, you'll climb towards the characteristic neighborhoods of Santa Lucia with the church of the same name, Largo Statti with the historic Palazzo Statti, and then uphill towards San Teodoro and the Castle.
Corso Numistrano is a major destination for leisure and nightlife:
Historic bars on Corso Numistrano are popular spots for breakfast, aperitifs, and evenings with live music.
On Corso Numistrano and the adjacent Salita Maruca, as well as Via Lissania and Piazza Stocco (or San Giovanni), you'll find numerous fine dining establishments and cocktail bars offering sophisticated drinks and a trendy atmosphere.
Along the street are historic businesses such as jewelry shops. International airline advertisements call it the "city lounge" and "the goldsmiths' street." Nicastro's historic newsstands and pharmacies are also present.
The name "Numistrano" derives from a local scholarly legend according to which Nicastro was founded on the ancient city of Numistro. Although it is a busy street, there are recent proposals to transform it into a pedestrian area on weekends to improve its liveability.
The descent leading to Piazza Mercato Vecchio passes adjacent to the monumental complex of San Domenico:
THEATER UMBERTO
The Teatro Umberto in Lamezia Terme, located in the historic Piazzetta San Domenico (Nicastro), is currently undergoing a major restoration and redevelopment project. Although historically known as "il Pidocchietto" (the Pidocchietto) and appreciated for its neoclassical architecture and excellent acoustics, the structure has been closed to the public in recent years for safety and deterioration reasons.
Restoration work, funded through the Urban Agenda, was awarded in December 2025, with the aim of returning this "little gem" with approximately 120 seats to the city.
The theater is currently undergoing renovation (work began at the end off

SAN TEODORO AND SANTA LUCIA

San Teodoro and Santa Lucia are two of the oldest and most evocative neighborhoods of Nicastro, one of the historic centers of Lamezia Terme. Both are located in the upper part of the city, characterized by narrow alleys, stairways, and an atmosphere of times gone by.
Santa Lucia District
Located not far from San Teodoro, the Santa Lucia neighborhood represents another cornerstone of Lamezia Terme's tradition. The parish is the cornerstone of the neighborhood. Officially named S.S. Nicola e Lucia, it is one of Nicastro's four historic parishes. The oldest parish registers date back to the late 17th century. The saint is highly venerated, especially as the protector of sight. Inside the church is a precious 18th-century wooden statue of Saint Lucia.
The neighborhood extends across the northern part of Nicastro and, together with the neighboring Timpone district, forms a labyrinth of narrow streets descending toward the modern city center. Nearby, the Norman-Swabian Castle, accessible by climbing from San Teodoro, offers a panoramic view of the entire Sant'Eufemia plain, the Riviera dei Tramonti, and the historic Costa dei Feaci.
The Piedichiusa Park is a regenerated green area connecting the historic neighborhoods, ideal for urban trekking. It's described as very beautiful.
Finally, Corso Garibaldi, the main street that marks the boundary between the old town and the modern city, is home to the statue of Frederick II. The photo is by the talented Stefania Scalzo, who manages the Centro Storico Nicastro Facebook page. You can see many photos there. Stefania is the creator of the Riviera dei Tramonti logo, a logo she designed free of charge to accompany the fantastic idea of ​​the Riviera dei Tramonti tourism brand.
SAN TEODORO
San Teodoro, the neighborhood born at the foot of the Norman-Swabian castle.
It is considered the beating heart of the medieval village, located right at the foot of the Norman-Swabian castle. It developed around the fortress starting in the 11th century. Historically, it was protected by the city walls and is still the neighborhood that best preserves its original urban layout. Inside, the beautiful Church of San Teodoro stands out, a key point of reference for the community. Although the parish is very ancient (mentioned as early as 1500), the current structure retains the charm of the small neighborhood churches that once served the rural population and artisans. The neighborhood is famous for its fountains and its proximity to the Niola stream, which once powered the area's mills.

SAMBIASE TOWN AND OLD TOWN

Sambiase, the historic district of Lamezia Terme, is home to a rich religious heritage, concentrated primarily in its ancient heart. Among the most significant places of worship to visit are the Sanctuary of San Francesco di Paola, the Mother Church of San Pancrazio, and the unique Church of the Annunziata.
Here are the main churches not to be missed in the historic center:
Sanctuary of San Francesco di Paola. Dedicated to the patron saint of Calabria and Sambiase, the church, dating back to the 1400s, features a portico decorated with frescoes depicting the life of the saint and a single-nave interior with a valuable "Fanzago"-style altar.
Maternal Church of San Pancrazio. This is the neighborhood's main church and stands in the heart of the historic center. It houses side altars dedicated to various saints and remarkable stucco decorations.
Church of the Annunziata. Distinctive for its Gothic-style façade with Arabic accents. The interior consists of two naves and, together with the nearby Church of the Immaculate Conception, represents an important historical landmark for the ancient local congregations.
Church of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel.
Located in the Cafaldo district, it is dedicated to the cult of the Virgin of Mount Carmel and Saint Blaise.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception is a historic small church historically linked to the local population, located a short distance from the Annunziata.
Most of these churches are located within a few minutes of each other, making the historic center of Sambiase easily explored on foot.

SANCTUARY OF SAINT ANTHONY

The Sanctuary of Saint Anthony of Padua in Nicastro (Lamezia Terme) is one of Calabria's main centers of spirituality, deeply rooted in the history and identity of the local community. The first Capuchin Friars arrived in Nicastro around 1545 (some sources cite 1540), summoned by Count Ferdinando Caracciolo. They initially built a convent dedicated to Our Lady of Santa Maria degli Angeli. The 1638 Earthquake: A crucial event was the catastrophic earthquake of 1638. According to tradition, the convent remained standing thanks to the intervention of the Saint, while much of the city was destroyed.
Following the damage, the complex was rebuilt on a larger scale in 1639. Although the church is officially dedicated to Santa Maria degli Angeli, it is universally known as the Sanctuary of Saint Anthony due to the immense popular devotion paid to it.
Modern Evolution: In 1924, it became a novitiate and in 1954, it housed a missionary center. It was officially erected as a Sanctuary on June 13, 1969.
The structure, originally a single nave, is now divided into three naves that house important art treasures: the High Altar: houses a large canvas depicting the Madonna degli Angeli, Saint Francis of Assisi, and Pope Innocent III. The "Divine Painting": dated 1664, it is a valuable work by the Roman painter Giacomo Stefanone. It depicts the Saint wearing the habit of the Friars Minor and is credited with numerous miracles.
The Statue of the Saint: commissioned in 1685 by the Venerable Father Antonio da Olivadi, the statue is unique because it depicts Saint Anthony wearing the habit of the Capuchin Friars, custodians of the sanctuary.
Painting of the Immaculate Conception: housed in one of the side aisles, it is the work of the renowned Calabrian artist Andrea Cefaly.
The connection with the city is particularly evident during the celebrations of June 13th, preceded by the traditional "Tredicina." Saint Anthony is considered the "popular" protector of the Lamezia Terme community, a symbol of refuge and hope since the earthquake.

Next to the Sanctuary is the historic former hospital in a large monumental complex which today houses the friars' cells and the non-visitable library.

PIAZZA MAZZINI

Piazza Mazzini (historically known as Piazza d'Armi) is one of the most iconic sites in the historic center of Nicastro, Lamezia Terme. It once served as a space for military training and parades, but today it is the beating heart of the area's social and commercial life, undergoing recent urban regeneration projects.
The square and its immediate surroundings offer several historic features and local activities. There are now also a literary café and some good restaurants in the adjacent side streets.
Formerly called the "Fontana Grande," this historic fountain was designed in 1838 by engineer Basilio Frangipane. It is located within the municipal park bordering the square and was recently restored to its former glory.
A majestic, centuries-old Platano Secolare tree dominates the square and is considered part of the city's historic tree heritage.
Commercial Activities: Among the historic and new-generation businesses, the Armi Sport Costantino gun shop (open since 1940) and the Pan&Quotidiano literary café, a hub for aperitifs and traditional Calabrian products, stand out.
Near the square: just steps away is the Grandinetti Theater, a cultural center for performances and concerts.
The square is at the center of the "CRESCO" commercial redevelopment project, aimed at improving urban decor and safety, making it a meeting place for open-air exhibitions and markets.

CHURCH OF SAN DOMENICO
The Church of San Domenico in Lamezia Terme (in the Nicastro district) is one of the city's most important religious monuments, known for its Baroque splendor and historical connection to the Dominican order. Originally founded between the 15th and 16th centuries as the small church of the Annunciation, it was almost entirely rebuilt after the 1638 earthquake.
The building features a single nave structure richly decorated with stucco and valuable frescoes. Numerous paintings are attributed to Francesco Colelli, a student of Mattia Preti, including the "Transfiguration" and "The Embrace of Saint Francis and Saint Dominic."
The pipe organ, located above the choir, dates back to the late 17th century and is one of the oldest in the city.
The Crypt is a fascinating place that preserves ancient artefacts and "drainage tombs," once used for the burial of friars and nobles.
Adjacent to the church is the former Dominican convent, which now houses the Lametino Archaeological Museum and the Cloister of San Domenico.
The famous philosopher Tommaso Campanella also studied in this church between 1586 and 1588.

CATHEDRAL OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, located in the heart of the historic center of Nicastro on Corso Numistrano, is the main place of worship and episcopal seat of the Diocese of Lamezia Terme.
The current building dates back to the mid-17th century, but its history is linked to several reconstructions due to the strong earthquakes that struck the area:
Norman origins: A first cathedral was built around 1100 by Countess Eremburga, but was razed to the ground by the 1638 earthquake.
Baroque reconstruction: The current building was begun in 1640 at the behest of Bishop Giovan Tommaso Perrone.
Characteristics: The neoclassical façade is decorated with busts of the patron saints and two popes, while the interior features an octagonal majolica dome and an inlaid choir.
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Lamezia Terme (Nicastro) is the city's main place of worship.
The Cathedral houses the remains of Monsignor Vittorio Moietta, Bishop of Nicastro from 1961 to 1963. He is beloved by the faithful of Lamezia Terme, and his cause for sainthood is currently underway (he is a Servant of God). In 2024, an oil painting on canvas depicting Bishop Moietta was donated to the Cathedral, along with a crystal urn intended to collect the prayers and requests for intercession of the faithful near his tomb.
The Cathedral houses an altar dedicated to Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati (recently canonized in 2025). The site is a constant place of prayer for the young people and faithful of the diocese.
Although the Cathedral has been described in the past as "bare," it houses works of great historical and artistic value:
Madonna del Rosario: Inside, there is a work dedicated to the Virgin of the Rosary. Note that a rich iconography of the Madonna of the Rosary, with paintings by Francesco Colelli, is also housed in the nearby Church of San Domenico.
Silver Busts: The precious busts of Saints Peter and Paul, patron saints of the city.
Apse: A grandiose canvas (9 x 4.5 meters) by Prof. G. Savini (1997) dominates, depicting Saints Peter and Paul at the feet of the Assumption. An 18th-century carved wooden choir and a majestic pipe organ from 1960 are also featured. The current façade is the result of renovations carried out between the late 19th century and 1925, which transformed the original Baroque structure into a Neoclassical style. It features four monumental busts depicting the titular saints, St. Peter and St. Paul, and Popes Marcellus II and Innocent IX (both bishops of Nicastro). The church is preceded by a striking double staircase overlooking Corso Numistrano.
The dome is entirely covered in colorful majolica tiles, an iconic feature of the city skyline.
 

CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE

The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Nicastro (Lamezia Terme) is one of the most characteristic places of worship in the historic center, famous above all for its imposing Baroque staircase that dominates the surrounding urban space. Located on Via Enrico Colosimo, the church stands not far from the Cathedral and represents a historical and spiritual landmark for the community.
The current building, once part of the ancient convent of the Reformed Fathers founded in 1240, features a remarkable architectural structure:
The wide staircase leads to the main entrance, characterized by a Baroque façade divided into two orders with pilasters and Corinthian capitals.
Internal Structure: The interior is divided into two naves by round arches. The central nave is covered by a barrel vault decorated with stucco and frescoes depicting episodes from the life of Saint Francis.
Works of Art: Of particular note is the Baroque high altar, which houses a small temple and the statues of Saint Clare, Saint Rose of Viterbo, and two angels, surrounding the statue of the Madonna Assunta. Inside, there is also a painting attributed to Mattia Preti.
Although the current parish church dates back to 1883, the parish has ancient roots, with documents attesting to its existence as early as 1513.
Originally located in the Terravecchia district, the church was destroyed by the flooding of the Piazza stream in 1876, leading to the transfer of the faithful to the church of the former monastery of San Francesco.
Former Prison: The adjacent former Franciscan convent was once used as a penal institution (Nicastro prison).
In the immediate vicinity, you can also visit the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul and the ruins of the Norman-Swabian Castle overlooking the San Teodoro district. It's beautiful to sit on the steps leading up to the church square. An ideal place for an open-air cinema in summer.
 

VAGLI DI SAMBIASE
The dialect term 'u vagliu originally referred to an arched entrance, made of masonry or stone, that interrupted the continuity of buildings to provide access from the street to a public internal courtyard, a small space, or a vegetable garden. These elements represent an ingenious solution of popular architecture, often born from the fragmentation of ancient noble palaces between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today, the vagli are the centerpiece of a tourist and cultural development program.
* The Vagli Trail: A guided tour winds through the historic alleys, visiting eight main vagli divided among the neighborhood's districts. Among the most famous is the Atrio Fiorentino, located in the market area.
In ancient times, the vagli were not just passageways, but actual places of social gathering, lined with houses, shops, and cellars, the latter bearing witness to the area's historic wine production.
* Cultural Events: The area hosts important events, such as the "Al Vaglio. Books and Art in the Historic Center" festival, which transforms these arches and their atriums into stages for literary presentations and performances.
Vagli
* Atrio Fiorentino: Located on Via F. Fiorentino, a historic landmark in the market district.
* Via Cavour: One of the most picturesque streets, known for its several characteristic sieves.
* Casa di Franco Costabile: The famous poet is so closely linked to these places that a cultural park dedicated to him has been proposed right in the heart of Sambiase.

THE FOUNTAINS OF LAMEZIA TERME
Lamezia Terme boasts a rich heritage of historic and monumental fountains, many of which are concentrated in the historic center of Nicastro. These monuments are not just water supply points, but true symbols of the city's identity and urban evolution.
Main Historic Fountains
Monumental Fountain in Piazza Mazzini (1838): Also known as the "New Fountain" or the "Great Fountain," it was designed by engineer Basilio Frangipane. Located in the heart of Nicastro, it is one of the most impressive and visible in the city.
Historic Cafaldo Sambiase Fountain: Located on Via Cafaldo, this 18th-century fountain features a marble arch with an ancient inscription commemorating Mayor Francesco Turco.
Foothill Fountain: Located in the San Teodoro neighborhood, it is one of the oldest fountains and beloved by residents of the upper part of Nicastro.
Chiusa Fountain: Listed by the FAI as one of the "Places of the Heart," it represents an important piece of local history located in the historic Matrice neighborhood.
Niola Fountain: Another testimony to the past in the heart of Nicastro.
Fountains of the Pedestrian Area: In addition to the historic structures, Lamezia Terme is home to numerous artistic fountains (about 30 in total) created by various contemporary artists under the Lo Moro administration. They are the work of various artists such as Cancello, La Pietra, Panarello, Saladino, Trapasso, Robert, and Ricciardi, many of which were restored in 2016.
Wide-ranging Heritage: It is estimated that the Lamezia Terme area includes approximately 30 artistic fountains, of which 23 have undergone major restoration work in recent years. Symbolism: In addition to their aesthetic value, these fountains historically served as termination points for aqueducts for urban water distribution.
Fountain of the Siren Ligea: Some local redevelopment proposals have suggested enhancing the fountains in the pedestrian area of ​​Corso Giovanni Nicotera by naming them after the Siren Ligea, a mythological figure linked to the origins of the Lamezia Terme plain, thus symbolizing the local myth and identity. The "Non solo Trevi" project (developed between 1998 and 2000) was the first "open-air museum" in Calabria. It involved national and international artists in designing the sculptures/fountains, and their construction was entrusted to the city's craftsmen

CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, SANTA EUFEMIA VETERE
The Church of St. John the Baptist was built after the terrible earthquake of 1638, which caused the collapse and destruction of numerous buildings throughout the Lamezia plain. The new religious building was erected over the existing, ruined Church of St. Eufemia, which housed the relics of the Saint, and was dedicated to St. John the Baptist, patron saint of the Order of the Knights of Malta. It was Fra' Signorino Gattinara, Bailiff of the Order of the Knights of Jerusalem, who after the earthquake built a new church and housing for the monks and farmers.
The parish of San Giovanni, with all its associated benefits, came under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Nicastro following the Concordat between the Holy See and the Bourbon Government in 1818.
In 1931, the Fascist government carried out extensive renovations and alterations, maintaining the original 17th-century layout and preserving several important vestiges of the past, such as the four granite columns located in the square in front of the church, which originate from the ancient Benedictine Abbey of Sant'Eufemia.
Inside the church is a marble slab with a Latin epigraph, discovered near the ruins of the Benedictine monastery. The inscription on the stone confirms that the shrine inside the church contains the sacred relics of Saint Euphemia, transported from Rhodes after the island was conquered by the Turks.
orges in the small village of Sant'Eufemia Vetere, located in a large, tree-lined square. It features a simple gabled façade with a round-arched tuff portal, above which is a coat of arms also carved in tuff. On the right side of the building stands a crenellated tower, while on the left stands the square-based bell tower, which houses a sundial dating to 1931. The interior has a longitudinal layout with a single nave and a trussed roof. Some frescoes depicting marble columns dating from before restoration emerge from the smooth walls; on the sides are four blind arches containing canvases of the Immaculate Conception and Saint Stephen. In the presbytery, on the back wall is a painting depicting the baptism of Jesus, attributed by some art historians to the Calabrian painter Mattia Preti. The building was constructed of traditional masonry with a pitched roof. The layout has a longitudinal layout with a single nave. The roof is made of a wooden truss substructure. The roof covering is made of brick tiles.

GRANDINETTI THEATRE

The Grandinetti Theatre in Lamezia Terme is the city's main cultural center, located on Via Colonnello Cassoli in the Nicastro district. Officially inaugurated in 1946 and subsequently acquired by the Municipality in 2010, it now hosts important prose, music, and children's theater festivals, with an authorized capacity of approximately 600 seats.
The main festivals are organized by associations such as AMA Calabria and I Vacantusi.
The Grandinetti Theatre in Lamezia Terme was built starting in 1935 by the entrepreneur Francesco Grandinetti and inaugurated on January 6, 1946. On its façade is a bronze statue of Giangurgolo, the Calabrian mask of the Commedia dell'Arte, by sculptor Maurizio Carnevali, installed in 2010.
Giangurgolo, a typical Calabrian mask representing a greedy and chatty character, with a statue by Maurizio Carnevali.
The theater was acquired and renovated by the Municipality of Lamezia Terme.
The structure, often associated with the historic management of the Grandinetti family, is an important cultural landmark in the city.

ITINERARIES TO SAN TEODORO AND THE CASTELLO
These places make up the historic heart of Nicastro, in the charming San Teodoro district of Lamezia Terme. This is a perfect urban trekking route, connecting the ancient castle area with the newly redeveloped green spaces. [1, 2, 3]
Main Points of Interest
Piedichiusa Park: A redeveloped green oasis located between Via Federico II and Via Santa Lucia, right at the foot of the Norman-Swabian Castle. It is considered one of the most romantic spots in the city, ideal for admiring the village from above, especially at night.
San Teodoro District: This is the oldest neighborhood in Nicastro, characterized by medieval houses perched on the rock and narrow streets. Here you can visit the Church of San Teodoro (14th century), which houses the high altar of the Caracciolo family.
Via Garibaldi: A common starting point for excursions into the historic center. This street is home to the statue of Frederick II of Swabia, who chose the local castle as his residence and treasury.
The Climbs and Panoramic Streets:
Via Belvedere and Via Torre: Offer panoramic views of the Sant'Eufemia plain and lead to the highest parts of the village.
Via dei Normanni: Access to the rear of the castle (currently only accessible from the outside). From Via dei Normanni, you can photograph the castle and the panorama.

Recommended Walking Itinerary from the Cathedral to San Teodoro and the Castle. To best enjoy the area, you can follow this circular route:
Start: Via Garibaldi (Statue of Frederick II).
Ascent: Through the alleys of San Teodoro and Santa Lucia towards Via Belvedere. Enter the alleys and photograph the narrow streets and sieves. Visit the Timpone neighborhood.
Ascend from Santa Lucia, Largo Statti, and reach Albacin di Nicastro to reach the Piedichiusa fountain.
Stop: Climb to Piedichiusa Park to relax among the urban gardens and pedestrian paths.
Top: Through the narrow streets uphill, reach the ruins of the Norman-Swabian Castle for a panoramic view. Along the way, visit the Church of San Teodoro. Stop at the Niola fountain at the Mulino delle Fate, on the bridge leading to the Madonna delle Cucchiarelle.
Return: Descent towards the Niola Fountain along the Canne stream.