Undiscovered Italy Tours: The Hidden Italian Wonder by Daniela Corti

By Massimo Terracina

Photo by Melissa Fusari

Although we are Italian, we do not know our country as we should! The pandemic pushed us to take more care of the domestic territories and, as soon as the lockdown was lifted, Italians have started traveling again.

An interesting format, to discover the area, is an idea conceived and created for the fourth year in a row by Daniela Corti, wedding planner and destinations promoter with the patronage of “Enit” (the Italian cvb), in partnership, this time, with the Chamber of Commerce of Catanzaro: Undiscovered Italy Tours. 

Calabria is one of the underestimated regions that enhanced its attractions due to a revamped domestic tourism wave.

The interest is based on places and locations suitable for weddings and international events, dealing with local excellences, with special reference to textiles and the food & wine production chain, as well as hospitality and unconventional enterprises, all of them in 50 km radius, easy to reach.

A good start could be from an unusual “hotel”, Borgo del Convento (in Petrizzi) a 15th century monastery set on the hills near the Ionian sea. Undoubtedly it is an iconic piece of Italian history, protected as artistic and cultural heritage, turned nowadays into an elegant farmhouse and a surprising location for weddings, events and parties. 300 square meters of outdoor dining room, large internal rooms, 10,000 square meters of gardens, two churches and a chapel, 16 rooms with over 40 beds. A wonderful peaceful venue surrounded by countryside you can fully enjoy individually as well as in group. https://www.borgodelconvento.it/.

Tenuta delle Grazie (in Curinga), represents a perfect venue, surrounded by olive groves, boasting a calm and serene atmosphere, softened by the green meadows and vegetation of the area. The old mill, the stone farmhouse and the ancient water channel transport the guest into forgotten.

atmospheres, as soon as they step in. The Michelin-starred chef, through the elaboration of his dishes, offers typical menus of Calabrian cuisine revisited in a modern way. http://www.tenutadellegrazie.it/.

Interesting places linked to the food and beverage sector, could include Lento wine cellars (in Amato), where the Lento family, currently in the fourth generation, has matched its name to the wine and history of Lamezia Doc, dedicating themselves to the wine business with passion and commitment. The estate, surrounded by vineyards, can host guided tours, tastings opportunities, wedding receptions, conferences, meetings, social dinners, business meetings…mixed up with excellent wine.

http://www.cantinelento.it/ita/.

Mulinum (in San Floro) is a farm born in Calabria from the dream of giving life to a complete and controlled wheat supply chain, in every step, which starts from the organic cultivation of local seed varieties to obtain the production of wholemeal, stone-ground flours, meant to be transformed into bread according to ancient recipes and with the use of mother yeast, and into sweet and savory baked goods. https://mulinum.it/.

Osteria Il Frantoio (in Soverato): this old fashion restaurant stands in the ancient village of upper Soverato, in the premises of a finely restored ancient oil mill. The rustic-chic interiors welcome you in a romantic and familiar atmosphere furnished with a huge millstone and the mighty press. The kitchen revisits traditional dishes by offering them in a contemporary key adding 300 wine labels in the cellar.

Nido di Seta (in San Floro): a group of young Calabrians committed to protecting the environment and the landscape, taking up the ancient chain of jasmine growing. Eco-experiential path along a path that leads into the heart of an adult pine forest where the landscape and nature challenge the visitor's eye. Educational farm to assist in the production of silk, from worms to the finished product. https://www.nidodiseta.com/it_IT/.

Swing Restaurant (in Soverato) focused on seafood, it offers modern cuisine with typical local products. Original menus with a unique flavor due to the constant search for the perfect taste, which is born by combining the different fresh ingredients with the correct preparation method, and adding a pinch of originality to each course. https://swingsoverato.it/.

Mediterranean Biodiversity Park (in Catanzaro): originally known as the Agricultural School park, it is located in the municipality of Catanzaro it is dedicated to the Mediterranean area flora and fauna. The botanical garden has innumerable versions of plants and shrubs characteristic of the Mediterranean climate zone directly managed by the agricultural school located within the park.

Once you visit all those peculiarities, you’ll realize how Calabria is an unbelievable and unspoiled destination. To end it up we could have a splendid look at a religious opera, which is second in beauty and perfection, to “The Pietà” by Michelangelo, held in San Pietro Rome. In Upper Soverato there is a little church,  Maria Santissima Addolorata, which holds that Pietà of Antonello Gagini, sculpted in white marble in 1521. Gaggini was mentioned by Michelangelo as an unbelievable sculptor.

Need anything more to come and visit?