Krimisa e le Origini del Vino: Crotone e Santa Severina
A journey through millennia of history, philosophy, and winemaking in the heart of Calabria
This full-day guided tour invites you to explore the ancient world of Krimisa wine origins Crotone, tracing a cultural arc from Pythagorean philosophy to Byzantine architecture and indigenous viticulture along the Ionian coast of Calabria.
Crotone was once one of the most powerful Greek colonies in Magna Graecia, home to Pythagoras and a thriving intellectual tradition. Walking its streets, visitors encounter layers of civilization that span more than 2,700 years of continuous human settlement.
The tour then moves into the vine-covered hills of the Cirò zone, where the indigenous Gaglioppo grape has been cultivated since antiquity. A visit to a local estate offers direct insight into one of Italy's oldest documented wine traditions, followed by a tasting of Cirò DOC.
The day concludes in Santa Severina, a hilltop village of extraordinary preservation. Its Norman castle, Byzantine baptistery, and panoramic main square form one of the most coherent historic townscapes in southern Italy.
Tour Highlights
Guided visit of Crotone including the Temple of the Muses site, Carlo V Castle, and the Archaeological Museum
Explore the Casa di Pitagora and Palazzo Zurlo, tracing the legacy of Pythagoras in his adopted city
Wine estate visit in Cirò Marina with a guided tasting of Cirò DOC, one of Italy's oldest denominations
Discover Santa Severina's hilltop historic center including the Archbishop's Palace, Cathedral, and Byzantine Baptistery
Visit the Norman-Swabian Castle of Santa Severina, a fortress with a commanding view over the Marchesato plateau
Walk through the Giardino di Pitagora and the Cathedral area in the historic center of Crotone
Itinerary
Begin with a guided walk through the historic center of Crotone. Key stops include the Capperina area, Monte Sublime, the site linked to the Temple of the Muses, the Casa di Pitagora, and Palazzo Zurlo.
Continue to the National Archaeological Museum, which holds one of Calabria's most important collections of Magna Graecia artifacts. The itinerary also includes the Carlo V Castle, the Cathedral, and the Chiesa dell'Immacolata.
Travel to the Cirò Marina area for a visit to a local winery. The session includes a guided explanation of the Gaglioppo grape and the history of Krimisa viticulture, followed by a tasting of Cirò DOC wines.
Arrive in Santa Severina, one of Calabria's most celebrated borghi. The guided visit covers the Archbishop's Palace, Piazza Campo, the Cathedral, and the Byzantine Baptistery — among the oldest in Italy.
Conclude the day at the imposing Norman castle that crowns the hilltop village. The fortress offers sweeping views over the surrounding Marchesato landscape and houses a museum with historical collections.
What's Included and Excluded
Included
- Professional licensed tour guide throughout the day
- Guided visit of Crotone historic center
- Visit to a Cirò DOC wine estate
- Wine tasting — Cirò DOC
- Guided tour of Santa Severina historic center
Not Included
- Transportation to and from the starting point
- Meals and beverages beyond the included tasting
- Museum and monument entrance fees
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for the guide
Important Information
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Secure your place on this full-day cultural and wine discovery journey through Crotone, Cirò Marina, and Santa Severina — three of Calabria's most historically significant destinations.
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