Cosenza (Calabria): what to see


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What to see in Cosenza, itinerary including the main monuments and places of interest, including the Norman Swabian Castle, the Duomo and the Church of San Francesco d'Assisi.


Tourist information

Located in the valley of the Crati river, at the point where this watercourse joins the Busento, Cosenza has a historic center that has retained its characteristic medieval appearance over time, with narrow streets and stairways designed to climb up to the castle at the top to the hill.

Cosenza is also known as the Athens of Calabria, for its long cultural tradition, dating back to the Cosentina Academy which arose in the early 1500s at the behest of the humanist Aulo Giano Parrasio.


The Duomo, built in the twelfth century in the Gothic style, was later remodeled during the Baroque period, taking on the typical characteristics of that time.

Inside the cathedral is the funeral monument to Isabella of Aragon, who was the wife of Frederick III king of France.

What see

The Church, convent and cloister of San Francesco d'Assisi make up a monastic complex dating back to 1217 but modified in later periods.


Inside the Franciscan place of worship there are various works, including the fifteenth-century canvas depicting San Francesco di Paola in the sacristy.

In the convent adjacent to the Church there is the Conservation Laboratory for Environmental, Artistic and Historical Heritage of Calabria, in addition, a remarkable collection of artistic works is hosted, including frescoes and sculptures also exhibited in the cloister.

The Church of San Francesco d'Assisi dating back to 1200 is also worth a visit, where an interesting collection of works of art is kept in the adjoining convent.

The Castle, located in a dominant position on Colle Pancrazio, dates back to the era of Norman domination, perhaps built over previous Saracen structures, later it was enlarged and modified with respect to its original appearance, first by Frederick II and later by the Angevins.

Behind the Cathedral is Piazzetta Antonio Toscano, where some remains discovered after the bombings suffered during the Second World War are visible.

ITALY VLOG: Cosenza, capital of Calabria (March 2024)


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