Santuario di Santa Maria dell'Isola, Tropea beach, Italy 19 Mar 2017
About this photo
Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola stands at the top of a hill on Tropea beach in southern Italy. The crystal clear turquoise water of the Tyrrhenian Sea surrounds the hill that holds the white building. A winding stone path carved into the hill leads up to the monastery, which was reopened after refurbishment in 2014. The path is the only way to access this hill. Once you have climbed the steps take advantage of endless, uninterrupted views out to sea and over Tropea.
Various monasteries have been built in this spot and destroyed by earthquakes, as well as bombs throughout the wars; the first was built in the fourth century with the present structure taking form in the 18th century. Add a stop at this medieval town to any of Insight Guides’ Italian holiday Itineraries.
