Plizio Visual Lab

Rossano

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°8
Rossano (Italy)
ℹ️

Practical info — Rossano

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The Diocesan Museum is to see the Codex Purpureus, but check their afternoon opening hours before you go.
  • Rossano is split into the modern lower town (Scalo) and the historic upper town (Centro Storico). Take the bus or drive up to the old town for the best atmosphere.
  • The Amarelli Licorice Museum is located just outside the center; booking a guided tour in advance is highly recommended.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the historic center, as it is filled with steep alleys and uneven cobblestones.

🍽 Food

🍽
Licorice Gelato

Taste the unique licorice-flavored ice cream in the gelaterias of the historic center.

🍽
'Nduja & Caciocavallo

Spicy spreadable salami and local cheeses are staples in any traditional Calabrian trattoria here.

🍽
Lagane e Cicciari

A traditional pasta dish with chickpeas, often found in rustic local restaurants.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Amarelli Shop

Buy pure licorice root, candies, and even licorice beer directly from the historic factory shop.

🛍
Local Delicatessens

Small shops in the old town sell excellent Calabrian chili pastes and olive oil.

🧘
Santuario Maria SS. del Patire

A peaceful Byzantine-Norman abbey surrounded by woods, located in the hills outside Rossano.

🧘
Piazza Steri

While central, it has a relaxing spot to sit with a coffee and admire the historic clock tower.

Rossano, now part of the municipality of Corigliano-Rossano, is a historic city in the Italian region of Calabria, overlooking the Ionian Sea. Known as 'The Byzantine,' Rossano was once a flourishing center of the Byzantine Empire in Southern Italy. The most significant testament to this era is the Codex Purpureus Rossanensis, a 6th-century illuminated manuscript of the Gospel, housed in the Diocesan Museum and recognized as a UNESCO Memory of the World. The historic center, Rossano Paese, is perched on a hill, enchanting visitors with its narrow streets, ancient palaces, and numerous churches. In addition to its rich Byzantine heritage, Rossano is world-famous for its licorice production. The Amarelli family has operated a licorice factory and museum here since the 18th century, showcasing the history of this local specialty. The region's Calabrian cuisine gives robust flavors, with specialties like 'Nduja, fresh seafood, and homemade pasta. Visitors can explore the easy on the eye old town, visit the Diocesan and Codex Museum, and enjoy the panoramic views of the sea. To reach Rossano, the most convenient airport is Lamezia Terme, about 1.5 hours away. From there, you can travel by train or rental car. The city is also accessible by train from major Italian cities, though connections may require transfers. The best time to visit is from May to October when the weather is warm and sunny, convenient for exploring the historical sites and relaxing on the nearby beaches of the Ionian coast. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C77912162125252016128
Rain mm1331279868503526328087134130

Geography

Population
5,194
Coordinates
39.56667, 16.63333

Facts

  • An important center of the Byzantine Empire in Southern Italy.
  • Home to the Codex Purpureus Rossanensis, a UNESCO Memory of the World.
  • World-famous for Amarelli licorice production.
  • The historic center is perched on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea.
  • Part of the municipality of Corigliano-Rossano in Calabria.
  • Rich in historic churches and palaces.
  • The Cathedral of Maria Santissima Achiropita is a key landmark.
  • Offers a blend of historical and culinary experiences.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Rossano (8)

Teatro Paolella🎭 culture

Historic theater named Paolella, hosting performances.

Palazzo Amarelli🏰 castle

Medieval castle (palazzo) of the Amarelli family.

Palazzo Toscano-Mandatoriccio🏰 castle

Noble palace of the Toscano-Mandatoriccio family.

Anfiteatro Maria de Rosis🎭 culture

Open-air amphitheater named after Maria de Rosis.

San Marco⛪ religious

A church from the 9th, 10th century in Rossano.

Panaghia / Maria la Tutta Santa⛪ religious

A Byzantine church in Rossano, dedicated to the All-Holy Mary.

Palazzo Martucci🏰 castle

Admire the impressive architecture and incredibly rich history of this striking and majestic palace located in Rossano.

Museo Diocesano e del Codex🏛 museum

Explore this fascinating museum in Rossano, perfectly showcasing incredible religious art and rare historical manuscripts.

Frequently asked questions

How much time for Rossano?
Two days for culture.
Best time?
Spring, summer on the beach.
How to get there?
By car or train.
Any food?
Southern Calabrian pasta.
For families?
Well-suited for beach vacations.
Rossano: where is it located?
Rossano is located in Italy.
Rossano: what is there to see?
Highlights include Teatro Paolella, Palazzo Amarelli, Palazzo Toscano-Mandatoriccio.
Rossano: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Rossano: why is it worth visiting?
Rossano, now part of the municipality of Corigliano-Rossano, is a historic city in the Italian region of Calabria, overlooking the Ionian Sea.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Italy →

Nearby cities

More places