Despite the name (Isola=Island), Isola Capo Rizzuto is a long promontory corresponding to the ancient Asylos or Bizantine Asyla. Once an Episcopal see, it is now a renowned tourist center. The first human settlement in the area date back to the 14th century B.C. as evidenced by archaeological findings. The first built-up area, however, was erected by the Iapyges (a population coming from Northern Africa), landed on the Ionian Calabria coast in the 11th century B.C. This area included the three promontories of Capo Colonna, Capo Cimiti and Capo Rizzuto; therefore, it was later called Tres Japigium Promontorium. These peoples settled in the area between Capo Rizzuto and Capo Piccolo, in a site closer to the sea than the present-day built-up area. In the 8th century, during Greek colonization, the little village shared the same fate with the nearby city of Kroton, at the time a very important commercial and cultural center. Isola agricultural activities developed together with commercial exchanges with the Greek Polis. During this flourishing period, churches, monasteries and new houses were built and cultural centers developed in a vast area that ranged from the town to present-day Capo Cimino. The column of Hera Lacinia, that stands on the promontory of Capocolonna, is the only remain of that thriving period. In the 6th century a.D., a significant number of Byzantine monks, who survived to the iconoclast persecutions, arrived to Calabria and settled in the Isola area too. Their presence immediately had a strong impact on religious activities. Several monasteries were built, that immediately developed into religious and cultural centers. Eleven monasteries were erected in the area (San Costantino, Santa Barbara, S. Elia, San Pietro in Tripani, San Giovanni di Massanova, San Fantino, San Nicola di Salica, Salica, San Nicola di Vermica and San Giovanni di Campolongo). Economic activities increasingly developed around religious centers. When Normans arrived in the 11th century, the town changed completely. Monastery were suppressed and Latinization imposed a new religious rite. Despite radical changes, Isola became an episcopal see (till 1818). From that moment on, the town passed from lord to lord. A strong defensive system was built, that included the imposing Aragon castle in Le Castella, a smaller castle and mighty surrounding walls around the village. Many look-out towers were erected to watch and defend the area. The fief then passed to the families of Catalano, Caracciolo and Baracco. Following the new administrative regulations imposed by the French, Isola became a Municipality. After the Unification of Italy, under the decree dated January 22nd, 1863, the town acquired the current name of Isola di Capo Rizzuto.