One of the most unique and beautiful tourist attractions in Calabria in my opinion is, “la Chiesetta Di Piedigrotta” in Pizzo Calabro. Pizzo Calabro is a picturesque fishing town on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria and la Chiesetta Di Piedigrotta is actually located on the road into town on the SS 522, about 4km from the “Pizzo Calabro” exit off the Autostrada A3.

Legend has it that in the mid 1600s a ship was sailing off the coast of Pizzo Calabro with a crew of sailors when they encountered a violent storm.  The captain, sure that the ship would not survive the storm gathered his crew and prayed to the Madonna promising that if they survived the ordeal that they would build a church in her honor.  The ship was destroyed on the reef but the captain and crew reached the shore unharmed.  The sailors kept their promise and built an alter in an existing cave on the shore where local stone-cutters mining blocks of tufo (tuff or tufa) would take refuge from the rain.

Over the years, local artists and stone-cutters would continue to carve statues and scenes in the cave.  La Chiesetta Di Piedigrotta is carved entirely of tufo/tuff stone and is situated on the shore… high tides sometimes reach inside la Chiesetta.  It is an amazing site that shouldn’t be missed if you visit Calabria.  Entry to La Chiesetta Di Piedigrotta used to be free but they now charge 3 Euro.  Tickets can be purchased at the bar on the road above la Chiesetta (make sure to buy your tickets before walking down the long trail that leads to it!!)  For more information, visit the website www.chiesettadipiedigrotta.it

For other attractions in Calabria check out Cherrye’s post at My Bella Vita  Five Great Things to See in Calabria.