Cosenza is a city in southern Italy, located on the Crati River, in the region of Calabria. In 204 BC, the city was conquered by the Romans, and in the Middle Ages it passed from Byzantine to Arab, from Lombard to Norman.
Located in the heart of the Calabria region, the city of Cosenza is an example of Italy’s rich history and vibrant culture. With its picturesque landscapes, ancient ruins and exquisite cuisine, Cosenza offers travelers a truly captivating experience, allowing them to discover the beauty of the southern part of the country.
Old Town Cosenza
The historic center of Cosenza is a maze of narrow streets, medieval buildings and charming squares. While walking around this charming district, you can come across the impressive Duomo Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century. It is worth going inside to admire the intricately decorated frescoes and ornaments, a true masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship.
Norman Castle
Here are the ruins of the Norman castle, an ancient castle that dates back to the 11th century as a fortress of the Norman military. Here the pact of Scalea was also signed, dividing the territories conquered by the two brothers Ruggero I of Sicily and Roberto D’Altavilla.
Bilotti Open Air Museum
The Museo all’Aperto Bilotti (MAB) in Cosenza is the open-air museum is a testament to Bilotti’s generosity and his desire to make 20th-century art accessible to the public. The museum is located along Corso Mazzini, a pedestrian area in the city, making it an ideal setting for showcasing these precious works of art.
In 2019, the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities and for Tourism recognized the collection of 20 artworks displayed in the MAB as of “historical and artistic interest”. This recognition underscores the significance of the museum’s collection, which includes sculptures by artists representing various contemporary art movements of the 20th century.
Museum of Brettii and Enotri
Museum of Brettii and Enotri – This archaeological museum displays finds from the Bronze Age Enotri culture, and the Brettii people who founded Cosenza in the 4th century BC. The permanent collection also includes votive offerings and other artefacts from Hellenistic and Roman times.
National Gallery of Cosenza
The National Gallery of Cosenza is home to a permanent collection of paintings and works that capture significant moments in Italian art history. The collection spans from the 16th to the 20th century, with a particular focus on Southern Italian art. This provides a comprehensive overview of the region’s artistic evolution over several centuries.
Cosenza Cathedral
The most important monument of the city is the cathedral, built in the 12th century, in Romanesque style with Gothic elements, which can still be seen today in its beautiful facade with a pointed arch portal, a beautiful rosette and small rosettes. Inside there is the tomb of Isabella of Aragon, a sarcophagus depicting the scene of Melagra hunting and a crucifix from the 15th century.
Traditional Theatre Alfonso Rendano
Located on Piazza XV Marzo, in the heart of the historical center Bruzio, the Rendano Theater of Cosenza is dedicated to the pianist Alfonso Rendano. Of Renaissance origins it presents a large room with three tiers of stages lined in crimson velvet. It is acknowledged as a traditional theater for its cultural and artistic activities. The Rendano is surely among the most beautiful theaters in Italy, both for the internal spaces and its location in Piazza XV Marzo.
Comics Museum
The Comics Museum is located in the Provincial Art Gallery of Santa Chiara Primo in the south. The Museum houses an important permanent collection created by the first eight editions of the “Le Strade del Paesaggio” festival and boasts the most prestigious signatures of Italian comics: Tanino Liberatore, Ivo Milazzo, Angelo Stano and Davide Toffolo. Stories – from Alexander the Molossian and Hannibal to Alaric – truths and legends that tell the culture of the territory where the Museum is located.
Pollino National Park
The Pollino National Park lies along the Apennine ridge that unites two regions of southern Italy, Basilicata and Calabria, and covers three provinces: Potenza, Matera and Cosenza. A unique stage where the wonderful backdrop of nature bewitches the viewer among breathtaking landscapes and majestic peaks. Here the sacred Patriarchs dominate, tenacious and silent memory of a thousand-year history.
Lao River Rafting Calabria
Lao River Rafting in Pollino National Park it’s exciting adventure for an unforgettable day of rafting on Pollino mountains, along Lao River. A safe and fun raft ride, suitable for all ages.The several levels of difficulty, from the basic to the advanced, allow everyone to have fun with the nature of the National Park of Pollino.
