Santa Maria dell’Isola

The sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola sits on the summit of a rock above Tropea’s beach and is counted among the most striking places in Tropea and Calabria. In the Middle Ages the rock was still completely surrounded by the sea. Hermits from the East are said to have lived there from the 4th century; the monastery was founded around the 11th century and run by Benedictines. The present building dates from the 19th century, after earthquakes, above all that of 1783, destroyed its older predecessor. A staircase laid out at the start of the 19th century leads up to it; it is considered quite a trek. Inside, a small museum displays finds from the history of the site.

On clear days the Aeolian Islands, such as Vulcano and Stromboli, and even Etna are said to be visible from the sanctuary. In the evening you can see the illuminated sanctuary from viewpoints in the old town, especially the Piazza del Cannone, the Largo Galluppi, the Largo Migliarese and the cathedral terrace. Sunset is worth watching both from the sanctuary and from the beach below; sunrise or the evening hours are also good choices to avoid the midday heat. A rocky path leads down from the church to the Grotta del Palombaro.