The distinctive shape of Italy resembles a boot and Calabria is found near the toe of that boot in a sunny, tourist-friendly location. The region's history is richly layered, with ruins and artefacts dating back as far as 600 BC. If you are interested in the ancient world, your first stop should be Reggio di Calabria, home of a fascinating pair of Greek statues known as the Bronzes of Riace. If your historical focus is the Middle Ages, you will find a number of castles, cathedrals and other buildings to explore. Mathematicians should know that Pythagoras once resided and taught here and fans of Greek myth will want to visit the legendary haunt of the sea monster Scylla.