If you are looking for a typical souvenir to remind you of your trip to Catanzaro, in addition to recommending the many delicious food and wine products, we suggest purchasing one of the splendid ceramic vases made in Squillace, or one of the refined silks from San Floro, but also one of the characteristic vancali from Tiriolo, and why not, the unique cards of the Catanzaro Mercante in Fiera, or alternatively a piece of jewelry from one of the famous Calabrian master goldsmiths, whose fame has now crossed national borders.
CERAMICS
Squillace - 22 km from the center
The history of ceramics is lost in the centuries and is intrinsically linked to the founding of the city (skilletion) which took place around the 7th century BC by Greek colonizers, during the period of Magna Graecia. One of the peculiarities of Squillace ceramics is the use of a production technique called slipware and sgraffito; this technique dates back to the Byzantine period and only in the late Middle Ages was it replaced by the glazing of majolica. The production of Squillace boasts an extremely varied repertoire which, over the centuries, has been enriched with new processes, techniques, and decorative motifs. Today, the art of ceramics is experiencing renewed interest in Squillace, thanks to the creation of the State Institute and the Consortium called “Le ceramiche di Squillace”. Currently, several art workshops are active in the historic center, where it is possible to relive the charm of this ancient tradition.
Il Tornio Art Workshop
Via F. Le Porte, 46 - Squillace 0961912440
La Terracotta Workshop
C.so G. Pepe, 50 - Squillace 3687838314
Artistic Ceramics
Via F. Pepe, 28 - Squillace 3275311719
Ceramiche Ideart
Via F. Pepe, 7 - Squillace 3202945177
Decò Art
C.so G. Pepe, 50 - Squillace 096191202
ART AND OBJECTS
If a tourist visiting our city wanted to take home a truly original souvenir from Catanzaro, they could opt for “Il Mercante in Fiera Catanzarese”, a series dedicated to the city of Catanzaro conceived and created by the talented Catanzaro artist Luca Viapiana, consisting of 40 graphic illustrations collected in a deck of playing cards. The works, double-sided, have a common back. Each illustrated subject is accompanied by a caption.
Adopting a rigorous visual semantics combined with a philological approach, Viapiana, after a long phase of selection and study of the subjects to be developed, created a series of 40 city-themed illustrations that he composed into a deck of playing cards with a strong territorial vocation. The spirit of this visual storytelling manages to capture a vibrant feeling and celebrate it through an authentic, passionate, and definitive tribute. The works are available packaged in a laminated cardboard box measuring 15x11x2.8 cm containing 2 decks of 40 cards differentiated by color and an illustrated sheet of 40×13 cm, produced and distributed by Tessilarredo s.r.l. of Catanzaro, and made directly in Treviso by the prestigious Dal Negro brand, and also in the format of giant cards in a numbered series, produced and marketed by Tessilarredo s.r.l., also (info website www.lucaviapiana.com). N.B. The artist Luca Viapiana is also the author of “Il Mercante in Fiera Calabrese,” a series dedicated to Calabria, consisting of 40 graphic illustrations collected in a deck of playing cards.
Tessilarredo Via A. De Gasperi
Catanzaro 0961 727014
THE VANCALE
Tiriolo - 20 km from the center
Tiriolo is a town distinguished by the presence of artisan workshops specialized in weaving, with hand looms, one of the best-known Calabrian products: the Vancale, formerly known as “bancale,” a typical shawl of Tiriolo culture, made of combed wool for winter or lighter silk for summer. Its characteristic is the strictly black background crossed by multicolored stripes in harmony with the rest of the traditional dress to which it was, or is, destined. The silk model, used to complete the festive dress, once had at both ends two very rich fringes made by hand with bobbin lace, called “u campanaru.” The same fabric is also used for doilies, cushions, bags, and wedding favors.
Tessilart
Via Cigala, 11 - Tiriolo 3389211234
SILK
San Floro - 19 km from the center
Many years ago, the art of silk experienced a period of great splendor in Calabria, also because the cultivation of mulberry trees and the breeding of silkworms were widespread in the area, and thus the weaving of precious threads, which had its main center especially in Catanzaro. In fact, the first loom was made in the second half of the fifteenth century by a weaver from Catanzaro, Jean le Calabrais, Giovanni il Calabrese. In 1998, the Municipality of San Floro wanted to rediscover this ancient tradition and the Nido di Seta cooperative decided to revive this project, making sericulture its main activity. The golden thread is worked on ancient four-heddle looms to the rhythm set by the shuttle's movement. The dyeing is done exclusively with natural products such as poppy, mulberry blackberry, Tropea onion, broom flowers, walnut husk, etc. Among the creations are also wedding and ceremonial dresses. Nido di Seta offers the opportunity to visit the educational farm.
Nido Di Seta
Via Regina Elena - San Floro 3208968663 www.nidodiseta.com
CALABRIAN GOLDSMITHS
Many works have been created by the most renowned and talented Calabrian goldsmiths, famous nationally and internationally, whom we mention below in alphabetical order, providing some information taken from their respective websites. Michele Affidato was born in Crotone, the heart of Magna Graecia. (…) In his goldsmith's workshop, jewelry and works are made entirely by hand, working the precious metal with a creative process capable of giving life to always unique creations. Master Goldsmith Enzo Riverso was born in Davoli (Cz). He has worked in the high jewelry sector for over 40 years. He taught at the Art Institute of Squillace, passing on, day after day, to his students all the enthusiasm and passion for this extraordinary work. The creative genius of the Crotone master goldsmith Gerardo Sacco leads him to create unique artifacts with an eclectic style. (…) Mediterranean, Myth, and Magic are the three inspirations that nourish his creativity, always inspired by his homeland, ancient Magna Graecia. The world of G. B. Spadafora jewelry is inspired by values of artisanal intellect in which aesthetics combine with technique to create unique jewels that carry with them a piece of history to "wear." Jewelry that manages to be contemporary thanks to the study and continuous work of those who seek the perfect combination of tradition and innovation. (…)
G.B. Spadafora
c.so Mazzini
www.spadaforagioielli.it
Gerardo Sacco
c.so Mazzini, 172, and q.re Lido in via Progresso
www.gerardosacco.com
Michele Affidato
c.so Mazzini, 133
www.micheleaffidato.it
Vincenzo Riverso
www.maestroriverso.com