Albidona
Physical geography
Territory
The province of Cosenza is the fifth largest in Italy and the largest in Calabria, with an area of 6,650 square kilometers and a population of 668,992 people. Situated on the western coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the eastern coast of the Ionian Sea, it borders Basilicata to the north and the provinces of Catanzaro and Crotone to the south. The territory is characterized by the presence of mountains, hills, valleys, and a flat area. The province is famous for its lakes, including Lake Cecita-Mucone, Lake Arvo, and Lake Ampollino. The Crati River, the longest in the Calabria region, originates in the Sila Mountains, passes through the Crati Valley, and flows into the Ionian Sea.
Passes and Valleys
Among the most important passes and valleys in the province of Cosenza are Passo dello Scalone in the Pollino Mountains, Valico Sierra del Fiego in Sila, Passo Crocetta in the Catena Costiera, and Passo dello Scalone in the Orsomarso Mountains.
Mountains
The most important mountains in the province of Cosenza are the Pollino Mountains, Orsomarso, the Italian Coastal Range, and the Orsomarso Mountains.
Main cities
The province of Cosenza has 150 municipalities. The largest city is Corigliano-Rossano, with a population of 74,057 people and extends over an area of approximately 239 square kilometers. The provinciale capital, Cosenza, has a population of over 68,000 inhabitants.
Economy and Tourism
Economy
The economy of the province of Cosenza is mainly based on agriculture, livestock breeding, and the steel industry. The production of citrus fruits, olive oil, and wine is highly developed. There are also several steel and wood processing industries in the province.
Tourism
The province of Cosenza is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning hinterland. The cities of Paola, Diamante, and Corigliano-Rossano are some of the most visited tourist destinations in the province. Tropea and Capo Vaticano, on the Tyrrhenian Sea, are among the most famous beaches in Calabria. Places of historical and archaeological interest include the Swabian Castle of Cosenza, the archaeological site of Sibari, the Certosa di San Lorenzo Abbey, and the Sanctuary of San Francesco di Paola.
Culture and traditions
Festivals
In the province of Cosenza, there are many traditional festivals, some of which date back centuries. The festival of San Francesco di Paola, celebrated on April 2nd, attracts many pilgrims from all over Italy. The festival of San Giuseppe in Diamante, celebrated on October 11th, includes a large fair of local products and a procession with statues of San Giuseppe. The festival of Madonna delle Armi in Acquappesa, celebrated on September 8th, includes a procession with statues of Mary and the firing of cannon shots from the ancient castle.
Typical cuisine
The typical cuisine of the province of Cosenza offers a great variety of meat and fish-based dishes. Among the most famous meat dishes are the 'nduja di Spilinga, a typical Calabrian salami made from pork meat and chili pepper, and the spit-roasted kid. Among the most famous fish dishes are pasta with sardines, fish alla ghiotta, and ricciarello. The famous red onion of Tropea is a common ingredient in many recipes of the local cuisine.
The province of Cosenza is an ideal destination for those seeking beautiful natural scenery, the culture and tradition of Calabria, and excellent local cuisine.
