Tourist Guide to Altomonte – A Medieval Town in Calabria, Italy
Altomonte tourist guide: what to do and see among its attractions. What is the location of Altomonte? What to see and do in the surrounding area, as well as how to get there and the weather.
Close to the cold Pollino National Park, the old village of Altomonte thrives on the warmth of the Calabrian people. It is about sixty kilometers from Cosenza and spreads out over a landscape with large fertile fields and steep areas.
History
The historic center dates back to the Middle Ages. Because of the uniqueness of its buildings and its ability to host a lot of people, it is a member of the Club of Italy’s most beautiful towns, joining other prestigious titles like City del Pane, Slow City, and Green Flag. The town owes its current name to advances in the fourteenth century under the patronage of the Sangineto family first and then of the Sanseverinos. It began as a Phoenician-inspired urban city (the ancient name Balbia clearly confirms it). At the request of Queen Giovanna II of Naples, Altofiume was renamed Altomonte.
Il Castello (the fortress)
Since then, almost everything in the hamlet has been kept, and itineraries run through the lanes and monuments that make up a town that is sometimes rustic, sometimes antique, but always stunning. The Norman castle from the 12th century is the first stop to avoid missing anything of the incredible architectural heritage: note the numerous repairs it has received, as well as the great transformation from a fortress to a distinctive hotel where you can also stay.
What to see and do in Altomonte
On Piazza Tommaso Campanella, the Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione stands tall next to the Dominican Convent, which is home to the Civic Museum, a gleaming collection of holy art masterpieces, including the Madonna delle Pere, which is thought to be the work of Paolo di Ciac. The religious edifice oozes grandeur, and prominent aspects such as the gorgeous portal, the rose window with arches arranged in a wheel, and the obvious bell tower with its not insignificant mullioned window contribute to its everlasting beauties.
The small but notable Church of the Madonna della Consolazione was dedicated in 1342, when Filippo Sangineto was in charge of the area. It is known for the way its Angevin, Norman, and Swabian-Cistercian themes blend together in a beautiful way. The Sepulcher of Sangineto, signed in 1360 by Maestro Durazzesco, stands out in the cathedral.
Near Piazza Campanella, we see the sixteenth-century Palazzo Pancaro. On Via Paladino, we see the tower house of the Pallottas, which is now part of the Azzinari Museum. We then go down to Piazza Balbia, which was like an ancient city forum where people gathered. From here, you can see the winding lines of the Church of San Giacomo Apostolo, which is a Byzantine building with Baroque touches inside.
The twisting alleys follow the “capillaries” of what used to be the original historic center. Eventually, they all lead to the square where the entrance to the Church of San Francesco di Paola is. The church is next to a monastery with an interesting eighteenth-century cloister. The trip ends at Palazzo Giacobini, which looks more like it did when it was first built at the end of the 16th century as a place where pilgrims could stay.
Parco Pollino
Following architectural admiration, the taste for fun takes off favorably, to be found in the many entertainment areas that Altomonte reserves both for its inhabitants and for tourists: horseback riding, fishing, and trekking are the activities that are primarily practiced within the perimeter of the Pollino National Park, a fantastic natural setting that conforms to the imagination of adults and children, families, and couples in search of romance. The Farneto Reserve and the Grondo River Park add to the beauty of the landscape in Calabria.
Events & festivals
Altomonte celebrates folklore by alternating it with the population’s pious outbursts. The Epiphany Night involves everyone in the religious reenactment of the Magi’s arrival, which is followed by a procession of costumed people.
The Fucine are customary bonfires set on the eve of San Giuseppe and San Francesco di Paola. Via Crucis and Corpus Domini have the most to do with the Christian commemorative liturgy. On the second Sunday of Easter, the patronal feast of San Francesco di Paola has more to do with the local icon.
Participate in the Gran Festa del Pane in May, the Dance Festival in June, the Rock Festival in mid-July, the Euro-Mediterranean Festival in the summer, the Di…Vino Jazz Festival in September, and the Mushroom Festival in November.