A Guide to Cosenza

Cosenza is situated in the Northern part of the region, between the Sila Grande and the Coastal chain. Cosenza is the only Calabrian city to have preserved the traces of antiquity. The castle with its ancient medieval alleyways and stairs is the towering symbol of the city.

Sites to see include the Cosenza Cathedral, the Church and Cloisters of St Francesco and the Church of St Maria della Consolazione at Altomonte, one of the best examples of the Angioin period in Calabria.

In the vicinity one finds Scalea, a well known bathing resort of the Thyrrenian coast, in addition to Praia a Mare and Rossano, interesting localities of great natural beauty and artistic interest.

Gastronomes will enjoy local delicacies of pork cold meats, 'le sagne chine' similar to cheese lasagne, 'licurdia', a soup with onions and toasted bread, and 'mazzacorde', a traditional dish made with Goat's Local stomach filled with tripe, lungs and liver of lamb and goat. Local wines have world wide prominence and include the Savutoa and Pollino reds and the Esaro wine which can be tasted in both red and white varieties.