Cosenza - the cradle of the history of southern Italy: attractions, how to get there. Cosenza. Calabria

Cosenza is located in Italian Calabria, at the point where the rivers Busento and Crati join. This old City, ancient capital Bruttii, even before the arrival of the ancient Romans in the 3rd century, was already a prosperous and significant settlement. Later, the Cosenza Academy became the second most important educational institution, where they taught philosophy and literature, in the kingdom of Naples and one of the oldest in all of Europe. And today Cosenza remains the most important cultural center with many museums, theaters, libraries and the University of Calabria. For its heritage, the city is often referred to as " Italian Athens”, and to this day the university campus of Cosenza is the largest in the country.

Cosenza will not leave indifferent any connoisseur of history. You can walk endlessly in the old part of the city, wandering through labyrinths narrow streets. IN historical center in the area of ​​​​Messer-Andrea Street and not far from the Norman Castle, even fragments of ancient buildings and sections of the ancient Roman road have been preserved. And the contrast of the historic center, bordering the hill of San Pancrazio, and new areas in the Crati Valley will appeal to even the most demanding tourists.

number of attractions and interesting places in Cosenza positively rolls over, and you should decide in advance what exactly you are interested in, and what can be postponed for later.

How to get to Cosenza

Nearest international Airport located in Lamezia Terme. This is the main airport of Calabria and it receives flights from Alitalia, EasyJet, Airberlin, KLM, Lufthansa. You can get from there to Cosenza along a direct highway (about 1 hour 20 minutes by car).

Attractions and attractions Cosenza

The number of attractions and interesting places in Cosenza positively rolls over, and it is worth deciding in advance what exactly you are interested in and what can be postponed for later. So, for example, many people go to Cosenza solely to walk around the Museum of Salvador Dali and J. De Chirico under open sky. Give to others medieval architecture and they want to see sights like the 12th century cathedral. Unfortunately, during the Second World War, Cosenza was badly damaged, and even before that, it had suffered from a number of powerful earthquakes, but even today in this city you will find a lot of interesting things.

The Piazza Bruzzi is home to the Municipal Palace, and right behind it begins the oldest and most interesting part of Cosenza. From Piazza Campanella, across the Bridge of the Martyrs, you can get to Piazza Valdesi and Avenue Telesio, the main artery of medieval Cosenza. Nearby is a small square square with a majestic Romanesque cathedral, the Duomo. Here is the tomb of Isabella of Aragon, wife of french king Philip III, niece of Saint Louis IX.

On the square of March 15 in the center on a massive granite pedestal stands a bronze monument to the philosopher B. Telessio. Eastern part the square is adorned with the Prefectural Palace, built on the site convent St. Mary of Constantinople. There is also the Rendano Theatre.

Castello Svevo ("Swabian Castle", aka Hohenstaufen Castle) is a Norman stronghold that was originally built by the Saracens on the ruins of Rocca Brezia around 1000. This castle was restored by the Roman emperor Frederick, who added to original design an octagonal tower in 1239. All traces of the original Saracen building have now been lost, but the courtyard has retained Bourbon modifications designed to turn it into a prison, arches and engravings can be seen in the entrance hall, and in a wide corridor - the royal lilies of the Anjou house.

Once a year, the castle hosts a costumed festival “Rocca Brezia”, dedicated to the events of ancient times: then the Visigoth king Alaric stormed Cosenza, and then the Lombards left it and the Normans occupied it.

Religious sites

The monastery complex of St. Francis of Assisi was built by the Benedictines in the 11th century. In the next century, it was destroyed by an earthquake. The church was restored at the beginning of the 13th century, then in the 17th century it was rebuilt after another earthquake. Today, the original Gothic structure can be seen in the portal and some other parts of the church, which is a Latin cross plan with three naves. carved wooden main altar dates from the 18th century. The marble altar in the Chapel of the Virgin was created in 1777 by Salvatore da Taverna, and behind it you can see the ancient chapel, which appeared in the 13th century and has preserved to this day small columns and vaulted ceilings carved from local stone in the 1400s. Also in this aisle you can admire a wooden crucifix from the 1300s. and wooden choirs, created in 1505. Be sure to pay attention to the murals illustrating the life of St. Catherines, painted by the Flemish painter Wilhelm Borremann in 1705, and linger in the peaceful cloister of the monastery.

The most important religious shrine of Cosenza is the icon of Our Lady "Patron" which dates back to the 12th century. This icon, called "La Madonna del Pilerio", is considered the savior of the city from the plague epidemic of the 16th century. The shrine is kept in a special chapel built inside the cathedral, and annually on February 12, the largest religious procession in her honor is held in the city.

The Church of St. Augustine, also known as Spirito Santo, was built in 1507 by the Augustinians. Its original portal has been preserved, decorated with several inscriptions in Gothic script. In the interior, you can see a series of murals that date back to the 18th century. And in Arenella you can see the church and monastery of St. Francis of Paola, built in 1510. Inside the single-nave temple is the tomb of Ottavio Cesare Gaeta. On one of the walls there are two paintings of the 18th century: "Holy Family" and "Madonna with St. Francis and St. Augustine." The church is also decorated with numerous other frescoes, including the remains of paintings from 1550-1600.

The small church of San Salvador is also interesting, inside which you can also see several frescoes and a stunning iconostasis.

Other sights in Cosenza

The city has many villas and palazzos, for example: Casa Sambiase (better known as the Vaccaro Palace), Cerzali and Serra palaces.

The already mentioned Open Air Museum is an area that stretches from the pedestrian Corso Mazzini to Piazza Bilotti. The MAB Museum has a wide "range" of modern art objects, sculptures, which are lined up on the street. All of them were donated to the city by the Italian-American collector Carlo Bilotti. Here you can see not only St. George and the Dragon" by S. Dali and "Hector and Andromache" by De Chirico, but also "Bather" by Emilio Greco, "Cardinal" by Giacomo Manzu and many marble sculptures by Pietro Consagra.

Popular hotels in Cosenza

Shopping and stores

lovers to do bargain shopping here you will have the opportunity to visit the largest supermarket southern Italy- Metropolis.

Perpendicular to Mazzini Avenue (Corso Mazzini) there are many streets filled with shops.

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The city is the ancient capital of the bruzzi people, who ancient times inhabited the territories. Today it is one of the most significant cultural and economic centers of southern Italy.

Old city Cosenza is located on the slopes of the San Pancrazio hill. This is a well-preserved medieval ensemble that will impress even seasoned tourists.

And it will certainly be useful for shopping lovers to know that the largest supermarket in Italy is located in Cosenza -. In ancient times, Cosenza became famous for being the center of resistance of local tribes to the Hellenes. For example, near Cosenza, a famous battle took place in ancient times, in which the inhabitants of the city, in alliance with other southern tribes, managed to defeat the troops of Alexander of Epirus (uncle of Alexander the Great).

During the Roman era, Cosenza became an important center from which the road began via Popilia linking Calabria and Sicily. We also add that in Roman times, Cosenza enjoyed very significant privileges.

Legend of the Treasure of Alaric

A legend about the treasures of the legendary king of the Goths is associated with Cosenza. Alaric who managed to sack Rome. According to this legend, Alaric, having captured Rome, moved with all the good he had stolen to the south of Italy. Near Cosenza, the leader of the Goths died unexpectedly for everyone. And how it happened remains a mystery to everyone.

But the leader was buried with all honors. It is said that thousands of slaves drained the river bed near Cosenza and built a huge mausoleum, where, together with Alaric, they put all the treasures stolen in Rome. After that, the riverbed was returned back, and the grave of Alaric disappeared under water. And since all the slaves were subsequently killed by the Goths, the treasures of Rome are kept intact to this day next to Cosenza.

Middle Ages

It should be noted that after the fall of Rome, Cosenza, along with neighboring cities for many centuries it remained the last bastion of the Roman Empire. The barbarians were never able to take the walls of Cosenza (after all, they took Rome after bribing the city guards).

Administratively, Cosenza was part of Byzantine Empire. But at the end of the first millennium, hard times came for Cosenza. The city was destroyed and rebuilt several times. At the same time, he passed from hand to hand. In 1500, Cosenza was captured by Spanish troops led by Captain Consalvo de Cordova. During the 16th century, the city actively developed, since the residence of the vicar of Calabria was located in Cosenza.

new time

At the beginning of the 19th century, Cosenza was the center of resistance to Republican France in southern Italy. And a few decades later it became the center of the struggle for the independence of Italy. In 1860 Cosenza became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

Attractions Cosenza

Church of Saint Dominic. This church was built in 1448. In her device, pay attention to the skillful combination of Renaissance and medieval elements. The most interesting detail of the church is the beautiful rose window.

Cathedral of Cosenza. The exact time of the construction of the cathedral in Cosenza remains unknown. Most likely, the cathedral was built in the first half of the 11th century. As a result of the earthquake in 1184, the cathedral was destroyed. In 1222, the cathedral was rebuilt, and Emperor Frederick II was present at its consecration. In the first half of the 18th century, Baroque elements were added to the cathedral, which to some extent hid examples of Romanesque art.

Cosenza castle(also called Castello Svevo) was originally built in 1000 by the Saracens on the site of a Roman fort. In 1239, Emperor Frederick the Second reconstructed the castle by adding a multifaceted tower to it. According to legend, the son of Emperor Henry lived in prison in this castle. Today, there is no trace left of the times of the Saracens in the castle. In the courtyard, you can see the changes made by the Bourbons when they tried to turn Cosenza Castle into a prison.

In addition, there are several museums in Cosenza, for example, Archaeological Museum or Art Gallery which will undoubtedly arouse the interest of inquisitive tourists.

Cosenza on the map

Useful information for tourists about Cosenza in Italy - geographical position, tourism infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Cosenza is one of the most ancient cities Italian region Calabria, located at the confluence of the rivers Crati and Busento and known as the "Athens of Calabria" for its rich past. It was founded back in the 4th century BC. under the name of Consentius and was considered one of the most important cities of the Italic people of the Brutus. According to legend, it is here, at the bottom of the Busento River, that the Visigoth king Alaric rests along with the treasures he stole, which he took from Rome.

In the Middle Ages, Cosenza became a bone of contention between Byzantium, the Saracens and the Lombards - as in other regions of southern Italy, the latter won. The Lombards were replaced by the Normans - Emperor Frederick II erected the so-called Swabian Castle (Castello Zwevo) here, and the tomb of his son, Henry VII, can be seen in the city's cathedral.

Later, in the 15th and 16th centuries, Cosenza became the capital of Calabria - it was during that period that many sights were built that still attract tourists today. Unfortunately, numerous earthquakes destroyed the city more than once - in 1783, 1854, 1870 and 1905, which could not but affect the preservation of historical and cultural monuments. Old Cosenza also suffered during the Second World War, when the city was bombed by the Allies. After the war, a significant part of the city was rebuilt.

Of course, one of the popular attractions of Cosenza is old center city ​​with its labyrinths of narrow streets. It starts right behind the Palazzo Municipale, standing on Piazza Bruzzi. It is in the historical center of the city that you can see fragments of ancient buildings, part of the ancient Roman road and the very Swabian castle, which was both an aristocratic residence and a prison.

From Piazza Campanella, the Ponte dei Martiri bridge leads to Piazza Valdesi and Corso Telessio. A little further is an old Romanesque Cathedral, which was built in the 12th and 13th centuries and recently restored after an unsuccessful 19th century renovation.

Also in Cosenza you can see the Palazzo della Prefettura, standing on the site of the convent of Santa Maria di Constantinopoli, the Palazzo Vaccaro, also known as the Casa Sambiase, the Palazzo Serzali and the Palazzo Serra.

Religious sites are represented by the Baroque church of San Francesco d'Assisi, which houses a wooden crucifix of the 15th century, the monastery of Santa Maria delle Vergine with an altar of the 16th century, the temple of San Francesco di Paola with works of art of the 16th century, the churches of San Domenico ( 1448), Spirito Santo and San Salvatore.

Cosenza(ital. Cosenza (inf.), sit. Cusenza, Cusenze, lat. Consentia, Constantia, Cosentia) - a commune in Italy, in the region of Calabria, at the confluence of the rivers Crati and Busento, administrative center province of the same name.

History and culture

Consent (lat. consentia) even before the conquest of Calabria by the Romans in 204 BC. e. was the most important city Bruttian Italian people. After the sack of Rome, the Visigothic ruler Alaric died here. According to Jordanes, the barbarian king, along with the treasures he captured, rests at the bottom of the Busento River.

In the Middle Ages, Saracens and Lombards argued for the possession of the city with Byzantium; the last ones were the winners. Roger Guiscard submitted the city only after a fierce siege. Frederick II rebuilt the so-called. the Swabian castle where his son Henry VII was imprisoned; his tomb can be seen in the city's cathedral.

In the XV-XVI centuries. Spanish authorities preferred to govern Calabria from Cosenza. Many city sights date back to this time. In 1511, Parasio founded the famous academy here. Earthquakes in 1783, 1854, 1870, 1905, as well as Allied bombings, caused great damage to the old city.

After the war, a significant part of the city received new buildings; an interesting open-air museum with works by Salvador Dali and Giorgio de Chirico. Cathedral 1185-1222 the buildings were restored after an unsuccessful reconstruction of the 19th century; A lot of restoration work has been carried out on other historical monuments.

Religion

The icon is considered the patroness of the city. Mother of God"Patron", written in the Byzantine style and referring to XII century. The procession dedicated to this icon, qualified in iconography as Galactotrophus, takes place every year on February 12th.

Fri, 06/22/2018 - 10:49 - Italy in Russian +71

A glorious past and a huge historical and artistic heritage brought this city the title of "Athens of Calabria", and more recently, in 2008, it received another no less honorary title - "City of Art". This Cosenza, birthplace of the first Italian academy (Cosentina Accademia), the first (and largest) Italian university campus, a city full of interesting sights, important historical artifacts, cultural monuments, traditional characteristic tastes and aromas of the colorful land.

visit Cosenza means to experience a unique experience. Cosenza is a city that is able to fully meet the needs of the most experienced tourists. The ideal location of the city makes this city perfect place for vacation.

Cosenza, the capital of the province of the same name in the region of Calabria, is beautifully surrounded by lush mountains and is located at the confluence of two rivers: the Busento, which separates the old city from modern city, and Krati, which seems to embrace the hill of Pankratia, where the ancient Cosenza lies, under the shadow of the majestic Swabian castle.

Cosenza. Panorama. Photo flickr.com

How to get to Cosenza

By car:

By taxi

For those who are accustomed to convenience, we recommend or any other city in Italy. It is possible to pick up and order a taxi through a convenient service: you just need to choose where and where you need to get from. Here you can from any airport in Italy. At the specified time, at the specified place, your personal driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name.

Where to stay in Cosenza

History of Cosenza

Cosenza - a city with rich history, freedom-loving and rebellious spirit. Giacomo Casanova described Cosenza as a city of "titled nobility, beautiful women and cultured people". Cosenza has also long been known for its title of "Athens of Calabria", which the city received in the nineteenth century, in the observer's essay David Andreotti "History of Cosenza" for the magnificent urban planning, architecture, historical and cultural heritage.

Cosenza, like many other cities, was a colony Greater Greece before the city was occupied by the Romans in 204 BC. Shortly after the beginning of Roman domination, Cosenza became an important stop along the Via Popilia, the road connecting Rome with. The most powerful conquerors in history fought for Cosenza: Arabs and Lombards, Aragonese and Angevins. Due to frequent fighting and change of rulers, Cosenza was completely destroyed and rebuilt several times between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries.

The city reached its greatest prosperity during the reign of the Swabian king Frederick II, who created in the south one of the most civilized states in the world, known as the "Kingdom of the Sun", a meeting place for various cultures and civilizations. In 1250, Frederick II died and the kingdom passed to the Angevins, who established a feudal system and imposed various taxes. So the development of Cosenza gradually began to come into a state of recession.

Despite the strong resistance of the townspeople, in 1500 Cosenza was occupied by the Spaniards, followed by the Austrians and, finally, the Bourbon dynasty. All these rulers did not make a proper contribution to the development of the city: in the 16th century, many residents, due to huge taxes, simply left Cosenza, fleeing to the forests. The situation changed slightly for the better only after the city was given the status of the residence of the Viceroy of Calabria: culture and science began to develop in the city. During this period, the Cosentine Academy was created, whose members included the great humanist Aulo Gianni Parrasio, the philosopher Bernardino Telesio and the economist Antonio Serra.

With its turbulent intellectual life, Cosenza continued to flourish until the end of the sixteenth century. Under French rule, however, the city was subjected to reprisals and assassinations, which encouraged the creation of many secret societies. Riots and unrest continued until the great uprising of March 15, 1844, which contributed to the victory of Garibaldi and the creation of the Kingdom of Italy.

What to see in Cosenza

Attractions Cosenza

Old city

The cobbled streets of the Old Town of Cosenza, which are located on hilly terrain, surrounded by the Buzentsa River - the place where tourists spend the most time. It is dominated by government palazzos, theaters, churches and other elegant ancient buildings, from the windows of which a beautiful panorama of the green landscapes of the province will certainly open.

Cosenza. Old city at night. Photo flickr.com

Let us dwell in more detail on the most important sights of the city, which you simply must visit.

Cathedral of Cosenza

The Duomo di Cosenza was built in the eleventh century. The building was seriously damaged by an earthquake in 1184 and rebuilt in 1222. Then the Cathedral of Cosenza was enlarged and restructured in the seventeenth century, when a huge baroque structure was built around the old building. In 1950, the cathedral was again modified, removing the restoration of the seventeenth century, thus returning the building to its original Gothic style. Many rulers of the city and the region are buried inside the cathedral. So, here is the tomb of Isabella of Aragon, wife of Philip III of France, who died in Cosenza in 1271, returning to France from the East.

Cosenza. Duomo. Photo flickr.com

Piazza XV Marzo

March 15 Square, dedicated to the clashes of 1844, is home to a monument to the Cosenza philosopher Bernardino Telesio by sculptor Achille D'Orsi. The Government Palace (Palazzo del Governo), built in 1844, is also located here, and directly opposite rises the elegant building of the Rendano Theater.

In addition, in this square you can see the building of the famous Cosentian Academy, which houses one of the richest libraries in southern Italy. Next to the Government Palace is the Villa Vecchia, beautiful garden nineteenth century, where in the shade of palm trees you can relax from a walk.

Piazza XV Marzo. Photo flickr.com

Villa Vecchia. Photo flickr.com

Church of San Domenico

The Church of San Domenico is located in the "Campanella" area, which is the meeting point between the Old Town and modern Cosenza. Next to the church is a monastery built in 1448 and restored in the eighteenth century. The original structure of the church is preserved only by a strict facade, made in gothic style, which hides very rich interior decorations. Also note the wooden door dated 1614.

Church of San Domenico. Photo flickr.com

Cosenza Castle

To reach majestic castle walls, you will have to work hard and go up Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Cosenza Castle was built by the Normans, possibly based on an existing structure created by the Saracens (10th century). The fortress dominates the city from the hill of Pancrazio - you can immediately conclude the wonderful panorama that is accessible from the walls of the castle. The castle was expanded and modified first by Frederick II and then by the Angevins. Its degradation began during the earthquake of 1638, which destroyed two bastions. The earthquake of the 17th century was followed by others, as well as the destruction caused by the Bourbon king, who decided to change the castle, making it a prison.

Castle of Cosenza. Photo flickr.com

Church of Saint Francis of Assisi

The church and monastery of St. Francis of Assisi is the most important religious monument Cosenza after the cathedral. The church is located on the street of the same name and was founded in 1217 by Blessed Pietro, a follower of St. Francis of Assisi.

The church, originally single-nave, was enlarged with two other baroque naves around 1657. Inside the church there is a wooden altar from the eighteenth century. Among the numerous works of art, it should be noted, in the left nave, a wooden crucifix of the eighteenth century; marble statue Madonna and Child of the late sixteenth century and paintings by Daniele Russo.

Adjoining the church is the chapel of St. Catherine, decorated with gilded wood carvings, frescoes with scenes from the life of St. Catherine Willem (1705) and church paintings.

Church and monastery of St. Francis of Assisi. Photo flickr.com

Church of San Francesco di Paola

The Church of San Francesco di Paola, built at the beginning of the sixteenth century, is located on Via del Plebiscito next to the first monastery of the Minimi order, which arose after the death of the holy founder of the order. The facade of the church is quite simple, but inside the cathedral amazes the visitor's eye with beautiful frescoes and baroque stucco.

Palazzo Arnone-National Gallery of Cosenza

Today, the museum is also home to exhibitions and contemporary art events.

Palazzo Arnone. Photo flickr.com

Things to do in Cosenza

The diversity of the landscape makes the province of Cosenza an ideal destination for trekking and sightseeing. Main character local wildlife, certainly a wolf that still inhabits the wooded plateau outside the city of Cosenza.

On the green hills and plains of the province it is very pleasant to go on horseback rides. Here amateur photography can find ideas for unique shots thought-provoking. IN winter time in the most high areas Territory Sila open numerous ski slopes.

IN national park Canoe rafting is possible in Pollino, especially on the Lao River, among the canyons and gorges. IN last years Nordic walking became widespread. This is a sport that is suitable for absolutely everyone: you can travel through the canyons of the Lao River and watch the many waterfalls that characterize this area.

Pollino National Park. Photo flickr.com

There are several water parks on the coast of the province, such as the Odyssey 2000 Zolfara, next to Rossano. In addition, the Cosenza Riviera is equipped for activities water sports sports, from windsurfing to water skiing.

Finally, the province of Cosenza hosts numerous fairs and festivals throughout the year, which will add flavor and flavor to your holiday.

The most important holidays in the province of Cosenza are:

Carnival Pollino

Carnival Pollino takes place annually during the Carnival period in Italy from February to March in the town of Castrovillari (Prov. Cosenza)

This holiday was celebrated many centuries ago, although it was officially registered only in 1959. The Pollino Carnival is not only an atmosphere of general fun, fiery folklore rhythms, songs and dances, but also the opportunity to taste regional food, such as sausages "savozza", a typical Cosenza sausage, or provincial wines.

hot pepper festival

This "spicy" mega-holiday takes place in the cities of the province of Pollino, Sila and Cosenza in late August and early September

By participating in the festival, everyone can enjoy local gastronomy to the accompaniment of the beautiful music of world jazz bands.

Hot Pepper Festival. Photo flickr.com

Le Vallier

This ancient folk festival takes place in the municipalities of Civita and Fraschineto, in the province of Cosenza, on the first Tuesday after Easter. The celebration consists in a dance procession: young residents of cities form a huge round dance, in which they hold not by hands, but by colored shreds. The dance is performed to local folklore.

Le Valle. Photo flickr.com

Feast of San Leone

The day of the patron saint of the town of Saracena, located in the province of Cosenza, attracts guests, thanks to a rich program of events and, of course, the gastronomic focus of the holiday. The Feast of San Leone is held annually at the end of February. After the traditional religious procession with torches, the town hosts a festive concert and a public tasting of regional products: sausages, wines, muscat wines.

Shopping in Cosenza and just relaxing

Cosenza is considered the "Milan of Calabria". It is a commercial, industrial and agricultural center, which is perhaps the most important in the entire region.

In the modern part of Cosenza, on the pedestrianized Corso Mazzini, you will find numerous boutiques and restaurants: it is always a pleasure to take a stroll here in the evening. Here, on Corso Mazzini, historical evidence coexists with contemporary works of art. This is an open-air museum, where sculptural compositions great masters - from Salvador Dali to Pietro Consagra, donated by an Italian-American businessman, Carlo Bilotti. Walk from Piazza dei Bruzzi to Piazza Bilotti and you will see Sasha Sosno's Three Columns, Salvador Dali's Saint George and the Dragon, Giorgio de Chirico's Hector and Andromache and many other famous works.

"Saint George and the Dragon". Photo flickr.com