Frascineto
Welcome to Frascineto!
Frascineto, or as its inhabitants call it, Frasnita, is a small municipality of 2094 inhabitants located in the province of Cosenza in Calabria. But what makes it unique is its arbëreshë community, Italo-Albanian, which still preserves the language, culture, and traditions of origin and religious functions in Byzantine rite, subject to the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Eparchy of Lungro. But don't worry, if you don't understand Albanian, it's not a problem, as the inhabitants also speak Italian.
The History of Frascineto
The history of Frascineto dates back to the fifteenth century when a colony of Arbëreshë refugees was welcomed by the abbot of the Greek monastery of San Pietro and assigned land from the same abbey. In 1552, the two villages merged, taking the name of Frascineto. Since then, its inhabitants have maintained their ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious identity.
Things to see in Frascineto
If you are looking for monuments and places of interest, Frascineto can offer you several options. The Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, built after the arrival of the Albanians in the seventeenth century, has a single nave in a Baroque style with a characteristic bell tower and a majestic dome. The Basilical Church of San Pietro and Paolo, dating back to the tenth century in Byzantine style, with three naves, was the seat of Italo-Greek-Basilian monks until the year 1750. It was renovated and consecrated on June 25, 2017, and can be visited by appointment. If you are passionate about history, you can visit the Chapel of Madonna delle Armi or degli Aramei (Madonna di Lassù), dating back to the 10th-11th century, now little more than ruins, which originally consisted of cells where the Basilian hermit monks of the monastery of San Pietro in Frascineto led a contemplative life. Additionally, in the hamlet of Eianina, you can visit the Church of San Basilio Magno, in Baroque style with a single nave and Byzantine altar and iconostasis, whose construction dates back to the seventeenth century.
The Culture of Frascineto
To better understand the Arbëreshë culture, you can visit the Municipal Museum of Albanian Traditional Costume located in Via Della Montagna and the Municipal Museum of Icons and Byzantine Tradition. If you are passionate about wine, don't miss out on the Cantina Sociale "Vini del Pollino."
Society
The municipality of Frascineto has a population of 2094 inhabitants and a small foreign community of 67 people, according to ISTAT data as of December 31, 2009.
Conclusion
Frascineto, with its history, Arbëreshë culture, monuments, and places of interest, is a fascinating place to visit if you are in Calabria. The welcoming inhabitants will greet you warmly and be happy to share their culture and traditions with you. Don't hesitate to visit this small jewel of the province of Cosenza!
