Bronze statue of the famous king, Frederick II (Federico II) "stupor mundi", known for his charming personality, his support of the arts, and his willingness to make different cultures coexist. The statue was crafted by the artist Maurizio Carnevali and donated to the city.

Pollino National Park, a sanctuary spanning the southern Italian regions of Calabria and Basilicata, cradles a realm of rugged beauty. Amongst its mountainous embrace, meandering trails and rivers, including the mesmerising Raganello River with its dramatic gorges, unfold beneath a canopy of pine trees. Here, the elusive Bosnian Pine thrives exclusively, a testament to the park's uniqueness. Amidst these wonders, nature's grandeur intertwines with archaeological marvels, crafting a haven of unparalleled allure.

Even if ancient ruins aren't your cup of tea, a trip to an archaeological site is worth the detour. The journey will take you through the quaint countryside, threading through small towns and villages that might otherwise escape your notice. Just a few kilometres from the holiday resort of Altinkum, in Yenihisar, you'll find Didyma — home to a grand temple dedicated to Apollo. Didyma was more than a religious site; its oracle rivalled the fame of Delphi's. While the original temple was destroyed by the Persians around 400 BC, the existing ruins hail from the Roman times. The remnants of 120 columns stand as testament to the temple's once monumental size.

This excavation rivals the famous sites of Pompeii. Once home to around 400,000 residents, ancient Ephesus was built around the temple of Artemis — another marvel among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The ruins we see today primarily hail from the Roman era. The remnants of the Temple of Artemis stand outside the main ruin area, while the hill above is graced with the cathedral of Saint John, said to be the final resting place of the evangelist. Legend holds that Saint John lived in Ephesus alongside the Virgin Mary.