Cotronei
A guided tour of Cotronei, the dark beauty of Calabria
If you've ever heard of Cotronei, it might be thanks to the famous Aerosmith rockstar, Steven Tyler, whose father came from this Italian city. However, the Municipality of Cotronei is much more than just that fact.
Located on the hill overlooking the wide valley between the Calabrian mountains and the Ionian Sea, Cotronei is a charming city with stone architecture that almost blends in with the mountain. Here you will find everything there is to know about this beautiful city.
Physical geography
One of the focal points of Cotronei is Lake Ampollino, located at the foot of Mount Botte Donato. The lake is surrounded by a beautiful pine forest, making it the perfect place for hiking and biking. If you're a thrill-seeker, you can opt for a ski descent in the area.
Origin of the name
The name Cotronei derives from the term "Cotrone", which means "from Crotone". The city was founded in the Middle Ages and some scholars attribute the construction of Cotronei to the need of the inhabitants of Crotone to have a control and signaling outpost in case of invasion from the land.
History
During the Fascist Ventennio, the Timpagrande hydroelectric power plant was built, giving a strong boost to the growth of the Municipality compared to the neighboring municipalities. However, the city has a much longer history than this event of the 20th century.
Monuments and places of interest
One of the most important places in Cotronei is the Church of San Nicola Vescovo, located in the center of the city. It is an important resource for the community, as well as an architectural gem.
Society
Cotronei has undergone great demographic changes over time, but one of the factors that contributed to the current situation of the Municipality is the establishment of clinical and research centers, which have employed hundreds of people.
Economy
The economy of Cotronei is based on the activity of the hydroelectric power plant and the clinical and research centers in the area.
Infrastructure and transport
The center of Cotronei is crossed by the State Road 179 of Lake Ampollino.
Sports
In Cotronei there are five football teams, with the main team playing in the football promotion championship. Furthermore, the city also has a notable presence in winter sports, with a bobsleigh track and ski lifts in the Trepidò hamlet.
Cotronei is a charming and full of history city, but it is also a modern and pulsating place, with an excellent healthcare system and great attention to sports. So, if you want to discover a piece of Calabria that has not yet been reached by mass tourism, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit Cotronei.
