San Cosmo Albanese
Welcome to San Cosmo Albanese
Hello everyone! Today I will take you on a journey to discover the beautiful municipality of San Cosmo Albanese, in the province of Cosenza, Calabria. Despite its small population of just 590 inhabitants, this village is a treasure trove of Arbëreshë culture, maintaining the language, customs, and Byzantine rite inherited from its ancestors. Join me in discovering this pearl of Calabria.
Physical Geography
San Cosmo Albanese is located at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level, on the northern slope of Sila Greca. The village is crossed by various watercourses and is not far from San Demetrio Corone, set in a picturesque landscape of olive groves and typical hills. To reach San Cosmo, you have to cross a hilly landscape for about 20 km, starting from the Sibari area and passing through the three Albanian villages of San Giorgio Albanese, Vaccarizzo Albanese, and San Cosmo.
History
San Cosmo Albanese has very ancient origins. Before the arrival of the Albanians, there was a tiny rural settlement called "Santo Cosma" in the current territory of the municipality, which depended on the Greek-Basilian monastery of SS. Cosma and Damiano. The first mention of the Basilian monastery of SS. Cosma and Damiano dates back to 1088 when Pope Urban II placed it, along with the monastery of S. Adriano, under the jurisdiction of Pietro III, the Benedictine abbot of Cava dei Tirreni.
The Albanians arrived in the Plain of Sibari in 1470, giving rise to the Albanian communities of S. Demetrio, Macchia dell'Orto, and San Cosmo. In 1471, the notarial act of capitulations was drawn up between the abbot of S. Adriano and the Albanians of the three communities. It is said that for some decades, the inhabitants of San Cosmo lived with those of Vaccarizzo before moving near the Sanctuary, but this is an unconfirmed legend.
Arbëreshë Culture
The municipality of San Cosmo Albanese is part of the Eparchy of Lungro, which means that it maintains the Arbëreshë culture inherited from its ancestors. This is reflected in the language, customs, and Byzantine rite. San Cosmo Albanese is also called "Strigàri" in Albanian, derived from the name of a leader of the city of Stura in Albania.
The Arbëreshë culture is also evident in the architecture of the village, with its characteristic stone and brick houses, Byzantine churches, and traditional festivals and fairs.
Things to Do in San Cosmo Albanese
Despite its small size, San Cosmo Albanese has a lot to offer tourists. It is recommended to visit the Sanctuary of San Cosma and Damiano, the Greek-Basilian monastery that gave birth to the village. The sanctuary is a landmark for the Albanian community and preserves precious works of sacred art inside.
Another attraction not to be missed is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, with its beautiful three-tiered bell tower. The church preserves valuable artistic frescoes inside.
Don't forget to participate in traditional festivals and fairs, such as the Sagra della Salsiccia, held every summer, or the Festa del Santissimo Salvatore, celebrated every year in August.
Conclusion
San Cosmo Albanese is a unique place in Italy that allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the Albanians of Calabria. Whether you are passionate about history, culture, or nature, you will find something that suits your taste here. Come and visit San Cosmo Albanese, you won't regret it!
