Foglio HPart. 560Scala 1:2000
Reggio Calabria, Calabria

Stilo

A five-domed Byzantine church founded around the year 1000 stands above the birthplace of philosopher Tommaso Campanella.

The compact Byzantine church of Cattolica di Stilo on a rocky hillside
The Cattolica di Stilo, Calabria. Sailko, CC BY 3.0. Cropped for layout.
Residents
2,306
Region
Calabria
Best time
The Palio di Ribusa is the town's Renaissance historical festival, but its programme and dates are edition-specific. For the Cattolica, use the Ministry of Culture listing rather than an old event page.

Why it is worth the drive

The Cattolica di Stilo was founded by eastern monks between the end of the tenth and the beginning of the eleventh century. Its compact cross-in-square plan is divided by four columns and rises into five brick domes above three east-facing apses.

Tommaso Campanella was born in Stilo in 1568. The Dominican philosopher spent twenty-seven years in prison after accusations of an anti-Spanish conspiracy and wrote his best-known work, The City of the Sun, during his imprisonment.

Getting there

The municipality routes drivers to Stilo from the Tyrrhenian and Ionian roads. Rail reaches Monasterace-Stilo on the Ionian line, but the historic centre is a separate road connection; check the current Trenitalia service before relying on it.

The honest part

The Ministry currently lists the Cattolica as open Tuesday to Sunday, with Monday closure and no reservation required. Hours, tickets and rail services are operational information and should be reconfirmed close to the visit.

Last checked 2026-09-13. Opening hours and festival dates change: confirm with the town before you travel.