Borgo Partenope
Borgo Partenope: the history of a village in Cosenza
Borgo Partenope, formerly known as Torzano, is a hamlet in the municipality of Cosenza located on a hill southeast of the city, at an altitude of 507 meters above sea level. With a population of approximately 201 inhabitants, this village has a history that dates back to the 10th century when the city of Cosenza was repeatedly invaded by Saracens and people fled to the surrounding hills for refuge. Over the centuries, Torzano/Borgo Partenope has been hit by many earthquakes, including the devastating one in 1905 that destroyed it completely.
Monuments and places of interest
Despite the damage caused by natural disasters, Borgo Partenope still has some monuments and places of interest that testify to its history. The historic center is one of the most charming areas of the village, where you can see ancient houses and narrow alleys. The Church of Santa Maria, dating back to the 15th century, is one of the most important monuments in the area. The Church of San Nicola di Bari was built after the original church was destroyed by the 1905 earthquake. Additionally, the Church of Madonna di Fatima was added to San Nicola in 1950, becoming one of the first places of worship dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima in southern Italy, although it is currently unusable due to the collapse of the roof.
Society: traditions and folklore
Every year, on the last Sunday of September, the village celebrates its patronal feast in honor of the Immaculate Conception. This votive feast is very important to the community and is celebrated with a series of religious and civic events.
Bibliography and external links
For those who want to delve into the history of Borgo Partenope, a great resource is the book "Borgo Partenope. Articoli e scritti su uno dei Casali di Cosenza" by Lorenzo Coscarella, published in 2019. Additionally, the website "esplorazionicosentine.wordpress.org" offers a guide for discovering Borgo Partenope and other hamlets of Cosenza.
Overall, Borgo Partenope represents an ideal place for those who seek an escape from the chaotic city life, where there is no shortage of attractions for those who want to discover the hidden treasures of the village and learn about its history and local culture.
