Capo Rizzuto

The comune (municipality) of Capo Rizzuto is an “island” with more than 14,200 inhabitants, a very successful summer tourist resort and a select tourist centre of the Ionian coast. The town sits atop a hill overlooking the sea; therefore, it is both a panoramic point and bathing resort. The imposing fortress that dates back to the Cinquecento (XVI century) emerges in the Le Castella frazione (district). It was built to resist frequent invasions coming from the sea. Though it was founded in 1200 BC by the Iapigi people, the Isola di Capo Rizzuto had been a frequent destination since the Neolithic period. The majestic defence method built in the Byzantine period comprises the fascinating Castello dei Ricca (the Riccas Castle), the robust ring of city walls and many coastal watchtowers. Particularly interesting from the tourist and cultural point of view are the religious buildings like the Chiesa di S. Marco (St. Mark’s Church), dating from the Cinquecento, in the antique area of the island. Nowadays, the town is an important and outstanding farming centre due to the production of first fruits, vegetables and olive oil. After the ‘70s, the Isola di Capo Rizzuto became a seaside resort, the chosen destination of the whole region due to the construction of modern tourist facilities and the reappraisal of natural beauties.