Discover Motta San Giovanni

Motta San Giovanni can be explored through its archaeological finds, medieval architecture and the development of its historic center. Its historical traces span from the 5th century to the districts of the 18th and 19th centuries. When planning your trip, you can therefore focus on different aspects of its history: archaeological remains, religious architecture, the castle and the town’s historic layout each offer a distinct perspective on the place’s past.

Archaeology between the site and the museum

At the Area Archeologica Leucopetra, visible remains of a pseudo-circular kiln dating from the 5th century have been preserved. There is also a small burial ground with grave goods. Together, these finds draw attention to two different types of archaeological evidence: a structure and a burial site. The kiln dates from the 5th century; the burial ground adds another archaeological context to the site.

The Museo Civico Archeologico Antiquarium Leucopetra displays archaeological finds from the Motta San Giovanni area. They bear witness to Greek, Roman and later settlements within the municipality. Unlike the visible remains at the Area Archeologica, the museum focuses on the broader sequence of settlement periods. In June 2019, the museum was recognized as a museum of regional interest—another aspect of its institutional history.

The Middle Ages and historic districts

Castello di Sant'Aniceto, also known as Castello di San Niceto, was built in the first half of the 11th century. It is a rare example of High Medieval architecture in Calabria. In the historic center, Quartiere Suso, the medieval core of Motta San Giovanni, lies around the castle. The castle and district thus form a shared historic point of reference.

The original street layout, with its narrow lanes, has been preserved in the oldest part of the center. The building style is characterized by ordinary masonry and roofs with interlocking tiles. In addition to its origins, these features make the built structure of the older town center tangible. To the east lies Quartiere Praci, which dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. The contrast reveals the historical sequence in the center: Suso is the medieval area around the castle, while Praci is the later-developed eastern area.

Religious architecture and visitor information

Chiesa della confraternita del Leandro is also part of Motta San Giovanni’s cultural and historical heritage. It is an old Byzantine religious building that was already fully operational from the second half of the 17th century. This date adds a religious building with its own history to the story of the castle and the districts.

The facilities at the Area Archeologica Leucopetra documented following its accessibility renovation in 2024 included removable walkways for people with disabilities, a reception area with a ticket office, an information point and toilets. The facilities documented after the renovation also included lighting, video surveillance, other amenities, information boards in Braille and tourist road signs. If any individual facilities are important to your plans, confirm their status before your visit.

Getting to the historic center

The historic center can be reached via the SS 106, by the Ionica railway line to Lazzaro station with a connecting bus service, and by the Autolinee Tripodi bus service between Reggio Calabria, Motta San Giovanni and Lazzaro. For the rail connection, Lazzaro is the station where you transfer to the bus. Check timetables and connections before your trip so you can plan the different parts of your journey.

Discover more destinations: Marina Di Caulonia, Martone, Favazzina, Ardore Marina, Bova Marina, Oliveto, Brancaleone, Varapodio.

For the broader travel overview: Reggio Calabria.