The site contains a rare Roman amphitheater built on a slope, which is uncommon for standard Roman theater architecture.
The Basilica of Santa Maria della Roccella is considered the most significant example of Norman-Byzantine architecture in the Calabria region.
Excavations have revealed that the city was a major producer of garum, a fermented fish sauce highly prized in the Roman Empire.
The park contains a 19th-century olive oil mill that demonstrates the site's long-term agricultural usage after its abandonment as a city.
Cassiodorus, the famous Roman statesman and writer, was born in this city, then known as Squillace.
The site acts as a living laboratory for the study of transition from the Classical period to the High Middle Ages.
Scolacium Archaeological Park preserves the remnants of the Greco-Roman city of Skylletion, later renamed Scolacium. The site features the notable ruins of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Roccella, a large 12th-century Norman-Byzantine church. Visitors can explore the remains of a Roman forum, theater, amphitheater, and an aqueduct integrated into an olive grove. The on-site museum houses artifacts spanning from the prehistoric period through the medieval era. The park functions as an open-air exhibition space, often hosting contemporary art installations among the ancient stone structures. It represents a rare layered history of a Mediterranean coastal settlement. The site is situated near the Ionian Sea, influencing its preservation and historical economic significance.
The interior frame of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Roccella, providing a view of the sky and olive trees.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate the uneven terrain and gravel paths.
Bring sun protection and water, as the archaeological area has limited shade between the ruins.
Check for temporary contemporary art exhibitions before visiting, as these can change the spatial experience of the ruins.
Avoid visiting during the peak heat of summer afternoons, as the open layout offers little shelter.
Generally closed on Mondays.
Do not climb on the ruins or remove any stones or fragments from the site.
