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5 Regions of Calabria, Italy
5 Regions of Calabria, Italy Cosenza Cosenza is the
largest of Calabria's provinces with deserted beaches set on a backdrop of the
Sila Massif mountain range. Cosenza is often nicknamed 'Little Switzerland' its
alpine climate creates a playground for camping, hiking, fishing and sailing.
Climb up Moutn Botte Donato through Europe's greatest forest wonderland for epic
views of both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian sea's or visit the church of San Domenco
in the Sila mountain's which has paintings by Calabria's most famous
impressionist artist Umberto Bocciono. The provincial
capital is the city of Cosenza, the largest as you head through northern
Calabria. Approaching from the south gives you the most romantic view of the
city dominated by the Norman Hohenstaufen castle perched high on the hill.
Having been conquered and invaded by Normans, Romans, Greeks and the Spanish its
a wonder this historic city still presents some of the most beautiful baroque
architecture, as English author George Gissing commented 'to call it picturesque
is to use an inadequate word'. Now, Cosenza has become the most important
commercial and agricultural centres of Calabria with the seat of the regions
newest university on the outskirts of the
city. Development
Sites In This Region:
Crotone
Crotone was
long one of the most flourishing cities of Magna Graecia. Its inhabitants
were famous for their physical strength and for the simple sobriety of their
lives. 588 BC
onwards, Crotone produced many generations of victors in the Olympics and
the Panhellenic Games, the most famous of whom Milo of Crotone.
The Cathedral was originally from the 9th-11th century but largely rebuilt
and the stunning castle of Charles V today houses Crotones Museum. It has a
neo-classical façade, while the interior has a nave with two aisles, with
Baroque decorations. Crotone's regional airport is being expanded and is set to
introduce direct flights from the UK by the end of 2008 with Ryan
Air. The Ionian
coast along this stretch is largely a protected marine wildlife site which
prohibits motorboat use and ensures tranquility on its miles of stunning golden
beaches; perfect for snorkelling. The region
has the typical 'Pinetta' Pine forest along the shore line which often has
barbeque and picnic facilities allowing you to lunch leisurely, shaded from the
midday sun. The up and
coming region basks in a golden glow from miles and miles of cornfields and
sunny beaches and is perfect for a relaxing
break. Development
Sites In This Region:
Catanzaro The Provence
of Catanzaro has been the capital of the Calabrian Region since 1970. Catanzaro
has a population of 370,000 and is made up of 80 communes or municipal areas. It
is the narrowest region of Italy and is only 50km from coast to coast which is
why in the 9th century, the Byzantines who founded the region used it to control
the mountain pass between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian
Seas. Today the
region is well known for its fine lace and silk. For centuries the Vatican has
ordered its lace and linens for their priests as well as many of the royal
houses. Catanzaro is also a very important rail junction within Italy, a brand
new station has just been opened, as it is the centre of trade in wheat, oil and
wine. Catanzaro
Town rises on a rock and is split into two parts by a steep valley, the two
sections being connected by a huge concrete and steel bridge witch is among the
highest in Europe built in 1960. The beach town Catanzaro lido is located 5km
south, has a wide promenade and a harbour for small fishing and pleasure
boats. Vibo Valentia
On a good day from
the highest point of Vibo Valentia it is possible to see the Sila Mountains to
the north and the summit of Mount Etna on Sicily to the south. Today, it is the
provincial capital and full of imposing official buildings, from the Norman
castle to numerous renaissance and baroque churches. Its name is a corruption of
'Veip', 'Hipponion' and 'Valentia', all identities given to the area at
different times in its history. In the old town which sprawls down the hill you
will find Roman ruins and thermal baths. The Norman castle has four towers each
built at different times by different rulers. The castle is noted for being the
spot where 7 martyrs were slain for having defended the town from the impending
take over by the Pignatelli and the Archaeological Museum is housed inside. Not
just an important historical and cultural centre, Vibo Valentia has a
substantial pretty marina with berths for yachts and tourist trips to the
Aeloian Islands. The harbour is a bursting with vibrant cafes, bars and
restaurants offering the fabulous local
cuisine. Development
Sites In This Region:
Reggio
CalabriaGreek settlements
in This fascinating province is in the heart of the
Mediterranean, bordered b This fascinating province is in the heart of the Mediterranean,
bordered by two seas for a total 200km of stunning coastline, inland you will
find forests and waterfalls in This fascinating province is in the heart of the
Mediterranean, bordered by two seas for a total 200km of stunning coastline,
inland you will find forests and waterfalls in the Aspromonte National Park and
the cultural traces of 3000 years of history going back to the earliest Greek settlements in Italy. This region offers a unique,
enchanting experience to visitors.
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