The village has very remote origins. No historian has established the period of its birth and the name's etymology. Today, it is the largest center in the Tyrrhenian Cosentino, known for being the birthplace of San Francesco di Paola... #tuttitaly
Paola, in the province of Cosenza, is a town with ancient and mysterious charm whose origins are shrouded in mystery. No historian has been able to precisely determine the period of its foundation and the etymology of its name. Located on a terrace of the Coastal Chain, it offers a spectacular view of the azure sea of the Tyrrhenian. The beaches below attract residents of Cosenza, located about thirty kilometers inland, along the road leading to the Crocetta Pass.
Paola was already mentioned in documents from the 12th century. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the town was surrounded by imposing defensive walls. But its greatest fame lies in being the birthplace of Francesco d'Alessio, known as Saint Francis of Paola. This hermit and founder of the Order of Minims is now venerated throughout southern Italy.
One of Paola's main attractions is Piazza del Popolo, accessible through a monumental gate dedicated to Saint Francis. Here stands a majestic seventeenth-century fountain and the Clock Tower. Dominating the square with its baroque grandeur is the Church of Madonna di Montevergine, an architectural masterpiece that captures the attention of all visitors. Climbing up on the right side of the church, you can reach the birthplace of Saint Francis, a place full of spirituality and history.
Finally, one of the most significant places in Paola is the Sanctuary of Saint Francis, located outside the town in the picturesque gorge of the Isca stream. This majestic complex, built in different phases, commemorates the life and works of the Saint and represents a point of reference for pilgrims and visitors in search of spirituality and serenity.
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