Falconara Albanese
Discover Falconara Albanese: a small town rich in history
Hi everyone! Today I would like to talk to you about Falconara Albanese, a small town in the province of Cosenza in Calabria that stands out for its history and scenic beauty.
Physical geography
Territory
Falconara Albanese is located on a hill at 602 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Coastal Range. The town is characterized by the suggestive Castelluccio, a giant monolithic rock about 50 meters high on which a cross stands out visible from the town. In addition, the village of Torremezzo, located on the Tyrrhenian coast between San Lucido and Fiumefreddo Bruzio, is a pleasant tourist destination.
History
Falconara Albanese is one of the arbëreshë towns of Calabria, which has kept intact the language and the Greek Byzantine rite. According to the Calabrian magazine of the 19th century, the town was founded by seven Albanian families who arrived in Calabria in 1487 and initially stopped in San Pietro. Falconara Albanese was founded in 1517, when the construction of the Manesato, Curtina district and the first church dedicated to Athanasius the Atonite began.
Monuments and places of interest
The Castelluccio is the main attraction of Falconara Albanese and can be reached via a staircase with ramps. Just below, there is the church dedicated to the Madonna dell'Assunta, with a large square. Also notable is the church of the Madonna del Buon Consiglio, whose origin dates back to the 16th century and whose name is linked to the successful exodus of Albanian families. Also worth visiting is the church dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, built in 1611 in the center of the town and which houses a portal from that period.
Society
Demographic evolution
Falconara Albanese has 1328 inhabitants.
Languages and dialects
The language spoken in Falconara Albanese is the arbëreshë language, an ancient variant of the Tuscan dialect spoken in southern Albania. There are also bilingual signs on the streets and in shops.
If you are looking for a quiet place to spend a few days away from the chaos of the city, Falconara Albanese could be the ideal solution. Thanks to its scenic beauty and unique history, you will feel immersed in a special place. I recommend visiting the Castelluccio and the churches of the town, it is really worth it!
