San Basile
Welcome to San Basile: an Arbëreshë commune in the province of Cosenza
Situated at an altitude of 540 meters above sea level, San Basile is an Italian commune with 942 inhabitants located in the province of Cosenza in Calabria. The city is located at the foot of Mount Pollino and is part of the Pollino National Park. San Basile is an Arbëreshë community, an Albanian ethnic-linguistic minority in Italy, that maintains its own language, customs, Byzantine rite, traditions, and culture. In this article, we will explore some interesting facts about the city.
Physical geography
San Basile enjoys a predominantly temperate climate due to its medium hill altitude and the particular orography of the territory. In summer, daytime temperatures are not excessively hot, and evenings are cool. Autumn is rainy but with pleasant temperatures. The winter season is not particularly cold thanks to the nearby Pollino range. However, snowfalls are not rare, which makes the city even more suggestive. The rainy season runs from November to March and ventilation is generally modest.
History
Founded by the Albanian community around 1475-1480 after the death of George Castriota Scanderbeg, San Basile was populated around the Basilian monastery, now the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Odigitria. The first document testifying to the Albanian presence dates back to 1510. The town was a fiefdom of the dukes of Castrovillari, Nicola Interzato da Cariati, Francesco Campolongo di Altomonte and still the Rende family of Bisignano. In 1617, it passed to the Duke of Saracena, then to the abbot of Castrovillari, and to the princes of Scalea. Today, thanks to its origins, the majority of the population speaks Albanian and professes the Catholic religion with the Greek-Byzantine rite.
Symbols
The municipal coat of arms was granted by the President of the Republic on January 18, 1988. There is no specific explanation regarding the choice of colors or symbols, but the image shows an eagle, two crossed swords, and a cross.
Tourist attractions
San Basile is rich in tourist attractions, one of which is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Odigitria, one of only three Greek-Byzantine monasteries existing in Italy. The building dates back to the 13th century and was rebuilt in the 16th century. The sanctuary contains frescoes depicting the life of Christ and the saints. Furthermore, the city is famous for its patronal festival, which takes place on August 15th every year. The festival, in honor of the Virgin Mary, lasts two days and includes several activities. During the festival, visitors can taste the local cuisine, including specialties such as stuffed onions, grilled meat, and homemade sweets. Additionally, the city is famous for its traditional Albanian dance performances.
Cuisine
Arbëreshë cuisine is very famous, and San Basile is no exception. Typical dishes include "fërgesë" (a dish of peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cheese), "lakror" (a large vegetable or cheese pie), and "bëskovica" (fried sweets with honey). Moreover, the city is famous for the production of olives, table olives, black olives, and olive oil.
How to reach San Basile
You can reach San Basile by car, taking the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria motorway and exiting at Lagonegro Nord station. Then continue on the SS 653 and then the SP 3 towards San Basile. You can also reach the city by bus, with the S.A.L. line that connects San Basile to Cosenza and other nearby towns.
Conclusion
San Basile is a unique city in Italy, with its Arbëreshë culture, fascinating history, and delicious cuisine. The city is perfect for a relaxing mountain holiday or to discover the wonders of an ancient Albanian culture.
