Discover Melito Di Porto Salvo

Melito Di Porto Salvo is associated with Giuseppe Garibaldi’s landing on Rumbolo Beach; the Mausoleo Garibaldino also commemorates this event. The town’s history also includes the Torre Saracena and nearby Pentedattilo, with its own history of castles and churches. If you’re looking for a hotel, these different themes can help you decide in advance what to focus on during your trip.

Garibaldi’s landing and its commemoration

Giuseppe Garibaldi and his Thousand landed on Rumbolo Beach on August 19, 1860. The Mausoleo Garibaldino commemorates the nighttime landing of Garibaldi and his men from August 18 to 19 of the same year, during the Expedition of the Thousand. The beach and mausoleum thus represent two points of reference for the same event: the named landing site and its commemoration. The museum at the Mausoleo Garibaldino displays weapons, clothing, writings, documents, and memorabilia related to Garibaldi.

Another historical reference dates to 1861. Garibaldi’s men stayed at the Casina dei Mille, which was shelled by Bourbon naval forces. Together with the landing in August 1860, this forms a sequence of events: the arrival on the beach was followed the next year by the episode at the Casina. The local history of Garibaldi therefore cannot be reduced to the date of the landing alone.

Old town and architectural history

The Torre Saracena stands in the highest part of Melito Di Porto Salvo’s old town and dates to around 1550. Its location and approximate date are useful points of reference if you’re interested in historic buildings. The tower offers a different way into the town’s history than the memorial sites associated with the Expedition of the Thousand.

Castle and churches in nearby Pentedattilo

The ruins of the castle in Pentedattilo date back to a Roman-era military fortress equipped with towers and surrounding walls. It was later transformed into a fully-fledged castle under the feudal lords, particularly the Alberti family. This sequence distinguishes the fortress’s earlier military function from the later castle complex, giving the area’s history its own distinct timeframe.

The churches, too, bring together different historical points of reference. The nearby Chiesa Santa Maria della Candelora, also known as Madonna della Purificazione or Candelora, dates to the 16th century and has Byzantine-era origins. It houses a Renaissance sculpture of the Madonna in white Carrara marble, dated to 1564. The Chiesa dei SS Apostoli Pietro e Paolo was mentioned as one of the area’s four protopapal churches as early as 1310. Its furnishings include a holy-water font and a baptismal font from the 17th century.

To reach Pentedattilo, take the SS 106 to the Annà exit. Then travel 500 meters along Via Nazionale; after that, a road runs north for about four kilometers. Road conditions can change, so it’s advisable to check them before setting out.

Bergamot and multi-stage hiking plans

Casa del Bergamotto is part of the local product scene in nearby Pentedattilo. Bergamot essence is made there from produce grown in a family-owned bergamot grove. In the showroom, decorative souvenir bottles containing this essence are made. This connects bergamot to local agriculture and to a specific souvenir idea, without implying that tastings or visits are offered.

If you’d like to include a hiking route in your travel plans, you can also consider the Sentiero dell’Inglese, which is divided into six stages. This structure differs from a single cultural stop and can be considered a multi-part element of your itinerary.

The Sentiero dell’Inglese offers a different way to plan your trip, with its six stages.

Discover more destinations: Marina Di Caulonia, Brancaleone, San Ferdinando, Motta San Giovanni, Favazzina, Gambarie, Martone, Ardore Marina.

For the broader travel overview: Reggio Calabria.