Aprigliano
Aprigliano: a mountain territory in Calabria
Aprigliano is a scattered municipality located in the province of Cosenza, in Calabria, and has a population of approximately 2,400 inhabitants. Being one of the largest municipalities in Sila, most of its territory extends beyond 1000 meters above sea level, with three peaks exceeding 1500 meters. The municipality is located between 400 and 1766 meters above sea level, with the summit of Colli Perilli offering splendid views of the Ampollino valley and the major peaks of Sila. The watercourses that cross the municipality of Aprigliano are the Crati river, the Zumpo spring, and the lago and lago lakes. The municipality includes seven historic villages: Agosto, Corte, Grupa, Guarno (municipal seat), Petrone, San Nicola, and Vico.
The history of Aprigliano
The history of Aprigliano is linked to the birth of the hamlets of Cosenza and the flight of the inhabitants of the city during the Saracen invasions in the 10th century. According to some sources, the origin of the hamlets dates back to the Roman period. In 1492, the territory was granted as a fiefdom by Ferdinand I of Naples to the ancestor of Giovan Francesco de Chiara. In 1644, the municipality was subjected to enfeoffment and assigned to the Campitelli di Melissa family. In 1647, Aprigliano was redeemed together with other hamlets of Cosenza following the revolt of Celico. In 1799, the municipality suffered the oppression of the Bourbons following their reaction against the Jacobins. Some fractions of Aprigliano were hit by the earthquake that affected Calabria on February 5, 1783. In 1811, Aprigliano was elevated to the capital of the district comprising the municipality of S. Ippolito with Turzano, Pietrafitta, Francone, and Vicinanzo. In 1857, Donnici was removed from the territory of the municipality and aggregated as a fraction to Cosenza.
Aprigliano was included in the canton of Cosenza with the administrative organization of General Championnet, while in 1806 it was attributed in the Government of Pietrafitta.
Aprigliano today
Currently, Aprigliano is a mountain town and a perfect tourist destination for those who love to immerse themselves in nature. The area is ideal for trekking, hiking, mountain biking, and car trips. The municipality has essential services such as bars, supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacy, and medical services.
What to see in Aprigliano
Once in Aprigliano, you can visit the church of San Nicola di Bari, the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the church of San Domenico, and the church of San Francesco. Along an old dirt road, you can reach the important ski resort of Lorica, where you can have fun on the ski slopes or hike one of the trails that cross the surrounding mountains.
Events and gastronomy
Among the most important events that take place in Aprigliano, we can mention the feast of San Francesco, during which the patron saint of the municipality is celebrated, and the fascinating feast of San Rocco, during which processions with traditional costumes take place. The local cuisine is based on traditional dishes such as sagne chine, meat rolls, meatballs with tomato sauce, and the typical Calabrian sausage rich in spices and aromas.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Aprigliano is a very interesting tourist destination, especially for those who love the mountains and outdoor activities. The municipality stands out for its unspoiled nature and history, which can be discovered by visiting the numerous medieval churches. Furthermore, the local cuisine is one of the excellences of Calabria, and it is not difficult to find grocery stores that offer local specialties.
