Cosenza - the cradle of the history of southern Italy: attractions, how to get there. Shopping and shops. Cosenza on the map

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, on this square you can see the building of the famous Cosentian Academy, which houses one of the richest libraries 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; a marble statue of the Madonna and Child from the end of the sixteenth century and a painting 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. It's about the museum open sky, 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

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.

Located in the central part of Calabria, it is the capital of the province of the same name and one of the most ancient cities in the region. Due to its rich cultural past, Cosenza is called the "Athens of Calabria"; the art academy is located here, which was the second in the Kingdom of Naples and one of the oldest in Europe.
In the IV century BC. Bruttian tribes lived on these lands, Cosentia was their capital and the main settlement of Latin Calabria.
The city developed rapidly and very soon became a metropolis, controlling a vast territory, including almost all the cities of Magna Graecia in Calabria, which fell under the onslaught of the Bruttians.
However, neither the strength of the city of Cosenza nor the bravery of the Bruttians could resist the Romans. It became one of the points on the Roman road leading to Reggio.
Cosenza experienced a new dawn when Emperor Augustus came to power: from a military city it turned into a commercial center. Until in 410 the king of the Visigoths Alaric decided to compete for power with Rome. The eternal City was plundered, and Alaric went to south coast, hoping to swim across to Sicily and get into North Africa. But the storm destroyed his fleet, and Alaric himself fell ill with a fever, and, tormented by the fear that he was punished by the gods, he retired to Cosenza, where he died and was buried, according to tradition, at the bottom of the riverbed at the place where Busento and Cavallo meet. The burial place of Alaric was never found, so the story remains a legend.
The next period of dawn came in the 8th and 9th centuries, during the power of the Lombards and the Byzantines.
During the wars of the Saracens and the Lombards, Cosenza was practically destroyed. The city rebelled against the Normans several times, but without success.
When Emperor Frederick II of the Hohenstaufen family came to power, Cosenza became one of his favorite cities, and he helped develop the economy and culture.
During the reign of the Angevins, Cosenza, on the contrary, came to poverty, desolation and rampant banditry.
And only when Louis III of Anjou and his wife decided to live permanently in the castle and made Cosenza the center of the Duchy of Calabria, the rise came.
When the Aragonese dynasty came to power, Cosenza became the capital of the Latin part of Calabria, which included most modern province of Cosenza. At this time, the Art Academy was founded.
In the 16th century, Cosenza remained prosperous and cultural city, and was called the "Athens of Calabria".
During the Risorgimento period, the city expressed freedom-loving and patriotic views. And on March 15, 1844, an uprising broke out, inspired by the brothers Attilio and Emilio Bandiera. They were active fighters for the liberation of Italy from Austrian oppression, in 1841 they created the secret organization Esperia, which later became part of Young Italy. Prior to this, the brothers had already made attempts to raise an uprising, which were unsuccessful. This time it was also suppressed, on the denunciation of a traitor, the brothers were captured and shot.
In 1860, Cosenza did not join a united Italy.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Cosenza began to develop and grow, new houses and quarters were built.
During the war, the city was bombed and badly damaged.
But the economic boom helped Cosenza recover quickly, the number of inhabitants began to grow, but the historical center remained quite abandoned, so people preferred to settle in the new city.

On the coat of arms of Cosenza, against the background of an azure sky, seven golden hills rise, which protect the independence of the city, they grow from a green field where two rivers merge.

In the historic center of Cosenza, many historical Buildings and old churches, narrow streets weave into a maze and climb up the hill. On the other hand, many houses and palazzos look ruined, giving the impression of desolation.

core historical center Cosenza is Cathedral .

It was built in the 11th century in Romanesque style, but an earthquake in 1184 destroyed the façade. Later, the building was repeatedly rebuilt and restored. The cathedral acquired its current appearance in 1831, in 1981 the sanctuary was erected, where the richly decorated Madonna of Pilerio, who is the patron saint of the city, is kept.
Also in the temple is a wooden crucifix of the 15th century, the funeral monument of Queen Isabella of Aragon of France, wife of Philip III, who died in Cosenza in 1271. The queen was returning with her husband from an unsuccessful Tunisian crusade. While crossing the river, her horse stumbled and Isabella fell into the river. She was seven months pregnant at this time.
Also in the cathedral is the sarcophagus of Louis of Anjou, who was the Duke of Cosenza and the last of the Angevins who lived here.

Not far from the cathedral is Monastery of the Holy Virgin Mary (Chiesa e Convento di S. Maria delle Vergini), in which it is interesting to examine the altar of 1576 and the table of the XIII century.

A little further is Church of St. Francis of Assisi (s. Francesco d'Assisi), which was founded in 1221. The church was rebuilt several times, in the 17th century. she acquired baroque features, and in 1943 she received serious damage during the bombing. In the church of St. Francis of Assisi, a wooden crucifix of the 15th century is kept. and 18th century marble statue Madonnas and Child of the 16th century, paintings by the artist Daniele Russo (1618) and others.
The former monastery complex adjoins the church, where you can see a beautiful courtyard.

On one of the seven hills of the city rises lock, built by Frederick II, who was in love with Cosenza.
According to legend, in 1242, the son of Frederick II, Henry the Lame, was imprisoned in the castle after he raised a rebellion against his father.
Built of tuff, the castle had a rectangular plan with towers at the corners. In 1433, the castle housed the residence of Louis III of Anjou and his wife Margarita, daughter of Amadeus VIII, Count of Savoy.
Later, King Alfonso of Aragon lived here.
In the XVI century. a prison was set up in the castle, in which in 1560 the Calvinist Gian Luigi Pascual, who was engaged in missionary work in Calabria, was imprisoned.
Since 1630, the decline began, earthquakes destroyed the castle, the stones crumbled, and the towers collapsed. Now (2011) restoration work is underway in the castle.

There are ruins near the castle. Capuchin monastery.


Monastery of the Capuchins.

Monastery of the Capuchins.

Monastery of the Capuchins.

Despite the general desolation, one can imagine how beautiful the monastery courtyard was.

An important church of Cosenza is also Church of St. Francis of Paola (Chiesa di S. Francesco di Paola).

Church of Saint Francis of Paola.

The church and monastery were built in 1510, but in 1720 they were completely redone according to the design of Giovanni Cali. Inside, works of art of the 16th century have been preserved, among which are the works of Pietro Negroni "Madonna and Child in Joy" and "Saints Paul and Lucca".
Saint Francis of Paola is especially loved and revered in Calabria, since this is the only saint whose birthplace is this region. Born in the seaside town of Paola, Saint Francis is the protector of Calabria and sailors, helping them to cross the dangerous Gulf of Messina.
The church stands near the confluence of two rivers, according to legend, there was the tomb of the Visigoth king Alaric with countless treasures (1). But this is only a legend, neither the body of Alaric nor his tomb has yet been found.
One of the two rivers in ancient times was called the “golden river”, since there was a mine for the extraction of gold and iron near its banks. According to an old tradition, Calabrian women washed their hair in this river if they wanted it to acquire a light golden hue. The second river, on the contrary, made the hair darker. (1)

Church of San Dominico

One of the most privileged churches of Cosenza is Church of San Domenico, erected in 1449. It is decorated with a late Gothic rose window.
The church houses the work of local craftsmen, and on the right side adjoins the Dominican monastery.
We can say that the church is located on the border of the old and new city.

Cosenza. Calabria.

Cosenza. Calabria.

Cosenza. Calabria.

Cosenza. Calabria.

Cosenza. Calabria.

How to get to Cosenza:

Cosenza. Calabria.

By car: motorway Naples-Reggio Calabria A3 (exit Cosenza).
by train to Cosenza, then to the center by bus or by small train.

Where to eat:
Restaurant Calabria Bella Piazza Duomo www.ristorantecalabriabella.it. Calabrian cuisine, wines, pizzeria, free wi-fi. Open all days for lunch and dinner.
Restaurant L "Arco Vecchio Archi di Ciaccio, 21

Museums of Cosenza:
National Gallery located in the Palazzo Amone (via G.V. Gravina). There are works by Pietro Negroni, Mattia Preti, Luca Giordano and others.
City Museum.

Surrounded majestic mountains, at the confluence of the two rivers Crati and Busento in southern Italy, one of the most ancient and picturesque cities, Cosenza, is located.

With its rich historical past, it goes back to the 4th century BC.
walking old streets city, you can find sections of the ancient Roman road and the remains of ancient buildings.

Foreigners tried to capture this area - Arabs, Lombards, Aragonese, Angevins. From the ruins of Cosenza, it was restored only in the XIII-XV centuries.
The city achieved a fair amount of prosperity during the reign of King Frederick II. The creation of the Cosentian Academy in those days was due to the beginning of the development of science and culture.

The uniqueness of the city of Cosenza lies in the special interweaving of elements of the medieval past and the present. This ancient place in Italy will not leave indifferent any admirer of history. The most visited place for tourists are narrow cobbled streets, which preserved medieval fragments of architecture.
Watch a video about one of these streets:

The Norman castle on top of the hill di San Pancrazio, the Cathedral of Cosenza, the church of St. Francis of Assisi, the church of San Francesco di Paola, the National Gallery of Cosenza are a small part of the attractions that guests of Calabria should visit.

An important religious shrine of the city is the 12th-century icon of the Mother of God "Patron", which is kept in a special chapel in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi.

Historical landmark cultural center is the Cosentian Academy, located in Piazza XV Marzo. Also located here is the Government Palace of 1844 and the Rendano Theater.

How to get to Cosenza

Cosenza is an impeccable place to relax. Good geographical location, as seen on the map of Italy, makes this city suitable for travel at any time of the year.

The best option for reaching a destination for a tourist is the train. Departure point - Rome or Naples. End station - Cosentino (Cosenza North) or Central station Cosenza (Cosenza South).

Location of Cosenza on the map of Italy

Historic Calabria

whose capital is Cosenza, located on south side peninsula. It is washed by the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas. Separates Calabria from Sicily Strait of Messina. The coastline of the region is the longest on the coast of Italy.

In the region of Calabria, the longest coastline on the coast of Italy

This is the edge ancient civilization, as evidenced by majestic buildings, bas-reliefs, collections of paintings and sculptures.

IN archaeological excavations Sibari, Locke-ri traces preserved centuries of history southern region countries.

The cultural wealth of Calabria is represented by folk customs and folklore. Your imagination and acting skills locals manifest in the organization of carnivals.

Shopping and relaxation in Cosenza

A true paradise for shoppers is one of the largest shopping centers in southern Italy - Metropolis.

Metropolis Shopping Center - A shopper's paradise

Also in the central part of the city there are many shops where prices for branded items differ significantly from prices in shops in Milan, Naples, Rome and Venice.

Walking along the ancient streets, contemplating the sights of architecture, impressions of the contrast ancient city and modern buildings, an open-air museum - all this will leave an indelible impression in your memory.

Having visited the city of Cosenza once, feeling its charm and uniqueness, you will definitely come back here again - in order to experience unforgettable feelings of admiration and falling in love with this delightful place!