Firmo
Physical Geography
Terrain
The province of Cosenza, located in the region of Calabria, is the largest in the area and the fifth largest in Italy. With 668992 inhabitants, it is also the most populous province in Calabria. The province is bordered to the north by Basilicata and to the south by the provinces of Catanzaro and Crotone. It is characterized by a precious blend of mountains and hills, extensive stretches of coastline, and 150 municipalities, making it the first province in Calabria by number of municipalities.
Numerous basins, valleys, and artificial lakes can be found within the province. The landscapes vary from the Pollino Massif (2248 m) in the north, to the Tyrrhenian coast, the Orsomarso, and, finally, the Sila. Two of the largest valleys in the province are the Crati Valley and the Savuto Valley, and there is a local plain, that of Piana di Sibari. The Crati River, which crosses the province with its course, is also important. There are also several artificial lakes such as Cecita-Mucone, Arvo, and Ampollino, which are considerable importance to the territory.
The territorial surface is divided into 3,604 km² of mountain, 2,696 km² of hills, and 352 km² of plain. In addition, the province boasts 228 km of coastline, almost evenly divided between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas, where there are many seaside towns.
Passes and Mountain Passes
There are several important passes and mountain passes in each mountainous region of the province of Cosenza:
- Passo dello Scalone, Pollino Massif, 740 meters
- Valico Sierra del Fiego, Sila, 1,435 meters
- Passo Crocetta, Catena Costiera (Italy), 979 meters
- Passo dello Scalone, Monti di Orsomarso, 740 meters
Mountains
Below are the main mountains of the four mountain formations within the province of Cosenza:
- Pollino Massif: Serra Dolcedorme (2,266 m), Serra del Pollino (2,248 m), Serra delle Ciavole (2,123 m), Vallone dell'Inferno n°2 (2,117 m), Serra delle Scalelle (2,070 m), Serra del Prete (2,003 m)
- Monti di Orsomarso: Monte Cocuzzo (1,553 m), Monte Pistillo (1,458 m)
- Catena Costiera (Italy): Monte Sparviere (1,447 m), Monte Cozzo (1,417 m), Monte Sellaro (1,368 m)
- Sila: Botte Donato (1,928 m), Monte Nero (1,712 m), Monte Curcio (1,500 m)
Cities of the Province
Among the 150 municipalities included in the province of Cosenza, the most populous is Corigliano-Rossano, located on the Ionian side. With its 74,057 inhabitants, it is one of the most interesting cities in the region. It is followed by Cosenza, the capital of the province, which is located in the valley of the Crati River, with a population of about 68,000 inhabitants. Rende, the center of the urban agglomeration surrounding the city of Cosenza, also has a considerable population, with about 35,000 inhabitants.
Historical Overview
The province of Cosenza has a long history dating back to the first prehistoric settlements in the mountains. Throughout history, the city has seen the arrival of numerous civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Lombards, Normans, Swabians, and many others. Over the centuries, the province of Cosenza has become an important commercial and cultural crossroads in the south of the peninsula, along with the city of Cosenza.
Economy
The economy of the province of Cosenza is primarily based on agriculture and industry. One of the main agricultural products of the region is bergamot, which is mainly grown in the area of Reggio Calabria and Siderno. The Cosentian industry, on the other hand, focuses mainly on the production of textile products, shoes, and leather goods. There is also an important presence in the petrochemical sector, with plants in Rende and Corigliano Calabro.
Conclusion
The province of Cosenza is a land of extraordinary beauty. With its mountains, hills, and valleys, its temperate climate, and its beaches, the area has much to offer. The province is also a place with a long and rich history, which is reflected in every corner of the provincial territory. The province of Cosenza is a place to visit to discover its breathtaking landscapes and ancient culture.
