In the historic center, in front of the current façade of the Church of San Nicola Pontefice, a cemetery with rock-cut tombs, some with multiple burials, dating back to the 17th century, was revealed. Other important remains, including ceramics and coins, have been found in the same excavation. According to Greek mythology, the city of Petelia was founded by Philoctetes, the archer famous for having killed Paris in the Trojan War.
