Caulonia

Calabria, Italy

---

Caulonia, formerly known as Castelvetere until 1862, is a town in Calabria, Italy, that traces its origins to the medieval period, with its modern name honoring the ancient Greek city Kaulonia, although the true ancient site is nearby at Punta Stilo.

The town is situated in the Stilaro Valley and is part of the Aspromonte National Park, boasting a medieval historic center with narrow streets, noble palaces like the Asciutti-Hyeraci palace known for its elaborate façade, and charming squares that reflect its feudal past. Caulonia is historically significant for its role in local uprisings, including the brief "Red Republic of Caulonia" in 1945, a peasants' revolt against landowners.

The town blends historical architecture with folk traditions such as the famous Kaulonia Tarantella festival, which celebrates traditional Calabrian music and dance. Caulonia offers a mix of cultural heritage, natural beauty with proximity to the Ionian Sea, and a strong sense of community rooted in centuries-old customs and resilience.