The Tirioloantica Museum Complex, located in the heart of Calabria, is an important testimony to the region’s history and culture. It includes three key elements: the Regional Archaeological Museum, the Gianmartino Archaeological Park and the Museum of Traditional Calabrian Costume. This museum complex not only preserves priceless archaeological finds, but also serves as a custodian of Calabria’s artistic and cultural traditions, offering visitors a comprehensive and engaging experience.
Regional Archaeological Museum
The Regional Archaeological Museum in Tiriolo, which officially opened in 1995, gained recognition as a Regional Archaeological Museum in 2018. Located on the ground floor of a historic building on Pythagoras Street, originally a telephone exchange, the museum is structured in two communicating rooms. The first room houses a selection of archaeological artifacts found in the Tyriol area, mainly dating back to the Brettonian period (4th-3rd centuries BC). Prominent finds include a copy of the Senatusconsultum de Bachanalibus and an Oscan defixio, documents of extraordinary historical value.
The second room is dedicated to an archaeological discovery of considerable importance: the monumental Brettian tomb of loc. Castaneto, discovered in 2008. This tomb has attracted attention for its grandeur and the historical context it represents, becoming a symbol of the cultural richness of ancient Calabria. Through its collection, the museum offers an interpretation of the daily life, funerary practices and beliefs of the people who inhabited these lands centuries ago.
Museum of Traditional Calabrian Costume
On the second floor of the building, the Museum of Traditional Calabrian Costume presents a collection of 36 costumes, the result of a careful study of local traditions. This section of the museum stands out for its richness and variety, being focused mainly on the provinces of Cosenza and Catanzaro. In addition to the faithfully hand-reproduced costumes, the museum also exhibits two original costumes, which offer a firsthand view of Calabrian sartorial traditions.
The costume section is not only an archive of clothing, but represents a document of great artistic and anthropological value. Each costume tells a story, reflecting customs, habits and traditions of local communities. This museum thus becomes an important tool for the enhancement and dissemination of Calabrian culture, capable of engaging visitors of all ages.
Gianmartino Urban Archaeological Park
Located behind the museum building on Pythagoras Street, the Gianmartino Urban Archaeological Park is another key part of the Tirioloantica Museum Complex. Surveyed between 2014 and 2016, the park was inaugurated as an equipped archaeological space with a roof and explanatory panels to facilitate understanding of the structures found. Inside is an imposing building dating back to the 4th-3rd centuries BC, known as the ‘Palace of the Dolphins,’ featuring a striking floor mosaic depicting two dolphins.
Gianmartino Archaeological Park is unique regionally for its excellent state of preservation and wealth of artifacts. The structures stand up to 1.5 meters high, with plasterwork and paintings still visible. Finds include splendid capitals, bronze and ceramic artifacts, as well as some 300 Brettian and Punic coins. These materials, once displayed in the Archaeological Museum, will further enrich the historical narrative of the area.
Fortress Park-Monte Tiriolo
Finally, Fortress-Mount Tiriolo Park holds the remains of the Byzantine kastron, a fortress that probably dates back to the second half of the 6th century AD. This site, characterized by majestic walls and the ruins of watchtowers, offers visitors an immersive experience in the medieval history of Calabria. The presence of the church and the semicircular enclosure known as the ‘Giudecca’ add further elements of interest.
The park is not only a place of archaeological interest, but also offers breathtaking views and geological and naturalistic specificities worth exploring. The beauty of the surrounding landscape and historical richness create a perfect combination of nature and culture, making the Polo Museale Tirioloantica an ideal destination for those who wish to discover the wonders of Calabria.
The Polo Museale Tirioloantica offers a unique opportunity to explore Calabrian history and culture through its museums and archaeological parks. With a wide range of exhibits and engaging storytelling, this hub is an important resource for the enhancement of local cultural heritage and an invitation to discover the roots of an area rich in history.