Return to CAPO VATICANO ITALIAN LANGUAGE COURSE

Study Italian language courses & enjoy a full immersion into Italian life & culture in Calabria

The Greeks, the Romans and even the Norman's recognized the delight of this fertile landscape across the bridge of the Italian Atlas "boot" and all remained there for long periods. Today well-preserved excavation finds from early settlements, temples, statues and columns give us an almost perfect view into the traditions and customs of this period. This is a haven for all those interested in archeology.

The landscape in Calabria is simply beautiful and has remained very wild. South-West Calabria is also blessed with fine weather and the nature park in the Sila mountains (nearly 2000 meters high) is only a short trip away. The mountain slopes are covered in oleander, medlar, beech and pine forests.

Here, in the thick countryside of South West Calabria you will find Capo Vaticano and our school. Just a few kilometers south of the medieval town of Tropea, Capo Vaticano overlooks the rocky landscape and offers beautiful views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Weather permitting, you can even see as far as Sicily and the island of Stromboli with its active volcano towering some 2000 m above sea level.

Our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture and customs. Below are some of our recommended highlights. Some tours and packages can be organized when booking your program, please see the program price page for more information.

region tour
To visit Calabria, is to rediscover the enchantment and the quiet atmosphere of the age-old historical towns and villages that populate the foothills, the windows of the mountain cottages that overlook the sea, the flavors of a full-bodied genuine Italian gastronomy. The landscape in Calabria is simply beautiful and has remained very wild. This is a fantastic place to spend a learning vacation, study in the morning then explore the countryside or hit the beach in the afternoon.

the beautiful beaches and coves
Please take advantage of the natural wonders around you. Explore the coves, snorkel, dive, swim or just sun bath etc. you will never see the Mediterranean like this again!

sea food
Enjoy all kinds of fish but especially swordfish, which is served, either grilled or fried, with a tomato sauce. Further specialties include aubergine, mutton and lamb dishes, fish soup (Zuppa di pesce).

other sites
Sila Mountains: A beautiful mountain and nature reserve. Serra san Bruno: A roman monastery with beautiful frescoes. Hipporion: An old Greek settlement. The Castle of Vibo Valentia: where there is an archeological museum. Town of Pizzo: (25 km away) see the Castle of Gioacchino Murat. Taormina: 3 hours away. The Eolia Islands: beautiful islands.

museums
Catanzaro's Provincial Museum houses outstanding relics, from the Neolithic period to the Greek-Roman Age, and a remarkable collection of coins. In Reggio Calabria, the National Museum holds one of the most important archaeologic collection in Italy: Paleolithic, Byzantine and Arab art, relics of the Bronze and Iron Ages, tomb outfits, pictorial tables and the world famous Bronzes of Riace, the two great bronze statues of warriors of the fifth century B.B. In Cosenza, one can visit the Museo Interdiocesano, with the treasure of the Cathedral, and the Civic Museum with prehistoric bronzes, Paleolithic manufactured goods and instruments.

excursions

tropea
The medieval town of Tropea is well worth visiting: it has an impressive prehistoric museum. The cathedral dating from the Norman era and the pilgrimage church Santa Maria dell´Isola are very interesting. There are also ancient Greek and Roman ruins to be seen. (Actually the entire area is a archaeological treasure)!

reggio calabria
Find remains of the Roman Age, such as baths, theaters and bridges. The religious buildings show Byzantine influences, dating back to the period when the region was part of the Empire of Byzantium. The Gothic style had a large diffusion during the thirteenth century. The Renaissance style is present in the paintings. The Baroque influence can be seen in several monuments.

sicily
It is the biggest island in the Mediterranean, separated from the Italian peninsula by the strait of Messina. The coasts offer a landscape of fascinating beauty almost everywhere; groups of marvelous smaller islands are scattered round the coast. The isles of Stromboli and Vulcano are also active volcanoes. Sicily was a Greek colony during the Classic Age, the Hellenic heritage is remarkable (Syracuse, Gela, Agrigento, Selinunte and Eraclea). Important Roman remnants can be seen at Taormina, Syracuse, Tindari, Solunto, Eloro and Patti.

If you wish to wander a little further there are trips to excavation sites in the Sila area or a weekend trip to Sicily. Other towns worth a visit include - Catanzaro, Cosenza, Crotone, Reggio Calabria, Vibo Valentia - are hospitable and well-equipped and represent the starting point for fascinating naturalistic and historical-cultural itineraries.

local Festivals:
Italians love to celebrate and Calabria is no exception. Festivals in Calabria are a famous tradition and are handed over to every new generation. The following traditional festivals are celebrated in Calabria:

Arbesh: A festival with greek-byzantine dances and traditional costumes. Celebrated in "Santa Sofia d´Epiro" on Pentecost Day.

Grecanico: A festival that is celebrated between June and July by the orthodox population of Bova.

lots of different Sagre: "Sagres" are folk festivals, harvest homes, festivals for products like the sword fish. These festivals are celebrated in june on Costa Viola.

Fiera dei 100 comuni: An interesting fairy, which gives insights into 100 locations and their culinary finesses and folklore. This fairy takes place in June in locations that change annually.

Carnevale del Pollino: This means entertainment in Castrovillari with processions, masses, street performers, and gastronomic presentations.

Catholic Festivals: The most important festivals are the ones that are celebrated for a patron saint. These take place several times a year. A lovely religious festival in Palmi is the sea procession of the Madonna on August 15.