Where Soriano Calabro is located and the history of the Convent of San Domenico

Soriano Calabro is a village of around 2,800 inhabitants in the province of Vibo Valentia, in the heart of the Serre Vibonesi, about 45 minutes by car from Capovaticano Resort. Dating back to the 16th century, Soriano’s history is closely linked to that of the Dominican Convent, founded in 1510 and, during the Baroque period, one of the richest and most famous in Europe. The complex was destroyed by the earthquake of 1783 and today preserves the ruins of the Baroque church with its imposing portal, three of the four cloisters and the Basilica Sanctuary of San Domenico, rebuilt in 1838, which houses the famous Painting of San Domenico, traditionally considered acheiropoietic.

What to see in Soriano Calabro: churches, museums and library

In addition to the ruins of the Dominican Convent, Soriano Calabro is home to the Church of San Martino, patron saint of the village celebrated on 11 November, the Church of Madonna del Carmine, the Church of San Filippo and the Church of San Francesco da Paola. The Museum Centre, located within the Old Convent complex, houses the Marble Museum with the surviving statues from the monastery and the Earthquake Museum (MuTerr). Another must-see is the Biblioteca Calabrese, a unique collection in Italy with more than 50,000 volumes written by Calabrians or dedicated to Calabria.

Mostaccioli from Soriano Calabro: a Calabrian pastry tradition

Soriano Calabro is famous throughout Calabria and beyond for its mostaccioli (known in dialect as “mastazzòla”): hard biscuits made with honey, cinnamon and warm grape must, shaped into anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures and decorated with coloured foil. Produced both by artisan workshops in the village and by local companies, the mostaccioli of Soriano Calabro are closely linked to the town’s religious celebrations, particularly the Easter Affruntata, the Calata del Quadro and the feast of San Martino.

Crafts and ceramics of Soriano Calabro

Soriano’s craftsmanship boasts a long tradition of ceramic production, with numerous workshops creating both rustic and artistic terracotta pieces. Historically, the village was also renowned for wickerwork, used to make baskets, chairs and furniture. Visitors can explore the artisan workshops in the historic centre, purchase ceramics and taste local products. From Capovaticano Resort, Soriano Calabro can be reached in about 45 minutes by car via the SP 60.

Excursion to Soriano Calabro from Capovaticano Resort

From Capovaticano Resort, it is possible to organise a day excursion to Soriano Calabro. The village can be reached by car via the SP 60 and SS 182 in approximately 45 minutes. The visit can include the ruins of the Dominican Convent, the Museum Centre, the Biblioteca Calabrese and a stop at the mostaccioli and ceramic workshops. Our staff can suggest the best itinerary and times. Write to info@capovaticanoresort.it for more information and to organise your visit.

Time: 3:30 PM arrival in Soriano
Total duration: approximately 3 hours

Programme:
Guided tour (approx. 2h): Museum Centre, modern church, Church of San Domenico
In-depth look at the ecclesiastical and cultural heritage
Artisan workshop (1h): demonstration of mostaccioli making, a typical local sweet
Notes: transfer from museum to workshop by car or van
Costs: Tour: €112.24 total, to be divided among participants
Museum: €5.00 per person, payable on site

Car cost: €350.00
Van cost: €450.00 round trip; the transfer remains available to guests on site