About
Mammola is a town in the foothills of the Aspromonte, in Calabria, the southern tip of Italy. It sits among the hills and the mountain landscape that gives this part of the region its character, and it makes a good stop for travellers who want to see something beyond the coast.
What to see
- The MUSABA contemporary art park, one of the notable contemporary art installations in southern Italy, where art is set within the surrounding landscape.
- The medieval streets of the old town, which are worth wandering slowly on foot.
- Traditional workshops, where local artisans make ceramics and woodwork.
The kind of visit it makes
A visit to Mammola suits people interested in art, craft and small-town life. The contemporary art park offers a very different experience from a conventional gallery, because the works are placed in an open, natural setting. Between visits, the old streets and the workshops give a sense of the town's everyday traditions and of mountain culture in Calabria.
Because the town lies inland, in the Aspromonte foothills, it is best reached with a plan rather than on a passing whim. Visitors who enjoy quiet places, handmade objects and a slower pace will find it rewarding. Those looking for lively nightlife or a long list of large attractions may find it more modest in scale.
Planning your trip
Check the opening arrangements for the art park and the workshops before you travel, as these can vary. Allow time to walk the old town, to look at the work being made in the workshops, and to take in the surrounding hills.
