Paola
Hello everyone! Today we're talking about Paola, a small town in the province of Cosenza, in the Italian region of Calabria.
Physical geography
With an area of ​​42.88 km², Paola extends along the coast to the north with the territory of Fuscaldo, to the south with San Lucido, and inland with Montalto Uffugo and San Fili. The city has an important railway station and is located on an altimetric profile ranging from 0 to 1389 meters above sea level (Mount Cozzo Cervello).
History
Paola is mainly known for being the birthplace of Saint Francis of Paola, celebrated on March 27. The municipality is adorned with the coat of arms of Saint Francis of Paola, recognized by the D.P.C.M. on August 14, 1954, and the municipal banner, which is an azure flag.
Monuments and places of interest
The city is one of the destinations for religious tourism in Calabria and offers several places of interest such as the Sanctuary of Saint Francis of Paola, the Abbey, and the Church of Sotterra with paintings dating back to the early Middle Ages. Additionally, visitors can explore the ruins of ancient Rome, Scorza Palace, and Paola Castle.
From May 1st to 4th, the solemn celebrations in honor of Saint Francis are held, including processions on land and sea of the Saint's bust and mantle. The legend tells that Saint Francis crossed the Strait of Messina on his own coat after a boatman refused to ferry him. Following this event, the Saint was proclaimed patron of Calabria and the people of the sea. In 2008, celebrations were held for the fifth centenary of Saint Francis' death.
In addition to the Sanctuary of Saint Francis of Paola, the city has numerous churches and convents, including the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Church of St. Michael, the Abbey Convent, the Cathedral, the Convent of St. Augustine, and many more.
Regarding the fortifications, you can visit the Norman-Aragonese Castle in Paola, the Tower of Soffio, and the Badia Tower, while among the archaeological sites, the C is noteworthy.
Conclusion
In short, Paola is a city that has a lot to offer, both historically and religiously and culturally. With its strategic location on the coast of Calabria, it is easily reached from many neighboring towns and is an interesting destination for those who want to immerse themselves in the history and culture of this region.
