Altomonte (CS) - One of the most beautiful villages in Italy - Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione - Calabria

Tourist village of medieval origin located on the outskirts of the Pollino National Park, which, with its Gothic-Angevin style church, attracts hundreds of couples every year who decide to celebrate their wedding here... #tuttitaly

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Altomonte, the hidden gem of Calabria.

At the peak of the majestic Calabrian hills stands Altomonte, a charming village that boasts the title of one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. At the center of this picturesque town stands the imposing Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione, a masterpiece of Gothic-Angevin art that dominates the entire region.

What to see

The journey through the history of Altomonte begins with a visit to the picturesque castle of Norman origin, transformed today into an elegant hotel after centuries of expansions and restorations. Piazza Tommaso Campanella, the city's pulsating heart, welcomes the majestic church and the Dominican Convent, housing the prestigious Civic Museum.

Ascending towards the highest part of the inhabited area, you are faced with the magnificent panoramic view of the Esaro Valley offered by the Church of Consolazione. The noble and austere architecture of the church reflects the splendor of the Angevin court of Naples, with Norman details and Swabian-Cistercian influences. Every corner tells ancient stories, from the majestic stone works such as the portal and the rose window to the funerary monument of an unknown knight and the suggestive Sepulcher of the Sangineto family preserved in the Civic Museum.

The magical atmosphere of Altomonte becomes even more intense when strolling through the alleys around the Church of Consolazione until you reach Piazza Balbia, where the Church of San Giacomo Apostolo stands, a treasure of Byzantine origins with an imposing Baroque interior. In this labyrinth of streets and alleys, you can breathe the ancient Arab atmosphere that shaped the first traces of life in the village.

Culinary traditions

However, it is not only the works of art that enchant visitors; the traditional cuisine of Altomonte also knows how to conquer the most demanding palates. The genuineness of the ingredients is the secret of the area's typical dishes, from homemade pasta to rich vegetable and legume soups to mischiglia, a mixture of nine spontaneous herbs cooked together.

The cicerchie, a rare and delicious legume, alternates with zafarani cruschi, sun-dried peppers sautéed in hot oil, creating an explosion of flavors and culinary traditions.

To conclude on a sweet note, the honey desserts of Arab tradition offer a perfect ending to this unforgettable culinary and cultural experience in Altomonte.

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