Malvito
Hi everyone! Today I would like to talk to you about the magnificent province of Cosenza, located in the region of Calabria, one of the most beautiful areas of Southern Italy. This province is the largest in the entire region, covering 6,650 square kilometers and with 150 municipalities. Not only is it the largest, but it is also the most populous, with a population of almost 670,000 people. But let's see together what makes it so unique and special.
Physical Geography
Territory
The territory of the province of Cosenza is very diverse, as explained in the previous paragraph. In fact, while on one hand there are mountain ranges like the Pollino Massif (the highest in the entire Southern Apennine, at 2,248 meters), on the other hand there are large coastal areas that overlook the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea. Among the main valleys are the Crati Valley and the Savuto Valley, while the largest flat area is the Sibari Plain.
Of course, there are also beautiful beaches that line the coast, such as the Gulf of Policastro (to the northwest, on the border with the Tyrrhenian Basilicata) or the Gulf of Corigliano (to the northeast, which includes the coast of the Sibari plain up to the border with the Ionic Basilicata).
Passes and bridges
If you love hiking in the mountains and are true nature lovers, then the province of Cosenza is certainly for you! Here you can find numerous passes and bridges that will lead you to the most fascinating and uncontaminated places in the area. Among the main ones, I mention the Scalone Pass, located in the Pollino Massif and 740 meters high, the Sierra del Fiego Pass in Sila, which reaches 1,435 meters, the Crocetta Pass in the Italian Coastal Chain, 979 meters high, and finally the Scalone Pass in the Monti di Orsomarso, always 740 meters high.
Mountains
Let's now talk about mountains, which undoubtedly represent one of the elements that makes the province of Cosenza so special and fascinating. Here are the main mountains that you can admire in the province:
- Pollino Massif: as already mentioned, it is the highest mountain range in the Southern Apennines, at 2,248 meters high.
- Italian Coastal Chain: it extends along the entire Tyrrhenian coast and reaches southern Calabria.
- Orsomarso: it is located south of the Pollino Massif and reaches 1,921 meters in height.
- Sila: it is the largest mountain massif in Calabria, covering an area of about 1,700 square kilometers. Its highest peak reaches 1,928 meters in height.
Cities and Places of Interest
Cosenza
Cosenza represents the capital of the homonymous province and is a city rich in history, art and culture. Here you can admire the famous Swabian Castle, the Cathedral of San Pietro, the Church of San Domenico, the Church of San Francesco di Paola and many other wonders.
Moreover, right near the city is the University of Calabria, one of the main academic centers of southern Italy.
Rossano
Rossano is another important city in the province of Cosenza, famous above all for the production of the prestigious Rossano bitter liqueur. Here you can visit the beautiful Historic Centre, the Cathedral of Maria Santissima Achiropita, the Diocesan Museum and the Municipal Art Gallery.
Altomonte
Altomonte is another jewel of the province of Cosenza, located about 60 kilometers from Cosenza. Here you can admire the majestic Cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta, the Sanseverino-Falcone Palace, the Clock Tower, the Convent of the Augustinians and numerous other attractions.
Chestnuts from the Sila Mountains
The province of Cosenza is also famous for the production of the famous Pizzo chestnuts, a delicacy known all over the world. If you are a lover of good food, you cannot fail to taste this delicacy during your stay.
Conclusions
As you have well understood, the province of Cosenza is a pearl of Calabria, an area rich in natural beauties, art, culture and culinary traditions. If you decide to visit this area, you will not regret it: you will discover enchanting places and have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of one of the most beautiful regions of Italy. I can't wait to hear what you think and to read your comments!
