Altomonte
Altomonte: a small town on a hill
Altomonte is a picturesque municipality in the province of Cosenza, located on top of a hill at about 600 meters above sea level. The territory of Altomonte includes flat areas, crossed by the rivers Esaro, Grondi and Fiumicello, and hilly areas with splendid panoramic views. The municipality borders some other cities such as Lungro, Firmo, Castrovillari and San Lorenzo del Vallo. The main economic activities of the municipality are agriculture, handicrafts and tourism.
A city with an ancient and fascinating history
The city of Altomonte has a long and fascinating history. In the past, the city was called Brahall, then Bragalla, Antifluvius until 1343, when it obtained the name Altomonte, thanks to the influence of Queen Giovanna II of Naples. Altomonte was initially a fiefdom of the powerful Sangineto family, and subsequently of the Sanseverino dynasty.
Attractions of the city
Altomonte is a city rich in monuments and places of interest. Some of the main attractions of the city are the churches, including the Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione, the Church of San Giacomo Apostolo and the Church of San Francesco di Paola. Other places of interest include the Convent of the Minim Friars, the Convent of the Dominicans, the Civic Museum and the Norman Tower. Piazza San Francesco is the center of public life in the city and is the ideal place to spend time with friends.
The population of Altomonte
The municipality of Altomonte has a population of about 4022 people. According to ISTAT data from December 2015, the foreign population residing in Altomonte was 161 people. The nationalities most represented based on their percentage of the total resident population were Romania and Bulgaria.
Economy of Altomonte
The economy of Altomonte mainly depends on agriculture, which produces wheat, barley, legumes, vegetables, citrus fruits and fruit. Another important activity for the local economy is handicrafts. The most famous handicraft products are terracottas, which are characterized by popular elements. The city also has a thriving tourism industry, thanks to its historical and artistic places of interest.
Administration in Altomonte
The municipality of Altomonte is twinned with other Italian and foreign cities. Furthermore, the city is part of the National Association of Bread Cities and the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. The city is governed by a mayor.
