Discover Aieta: Palazzo, Church Art and a Narrow Street

Palazzo Martirano–Spinelli, Church Art and Vico dei Baci

In Aieta’s historic center stands the Renaissance Palazzo Martirano–Spinelli, built by the Marchesi Cosentino in the 16th century. In 1913, the Renaissance palace was declared a national monument; since 1980, it has been owned by the Municipality of Aieta. Prior ticket purchase is required to access Palazzo Martirano–Spinelli; when planning your day, this step should be considered a separate organizational item for the palace visit. The Mu.Vi.D’A is also located in the Palazzo Rinascimentale di Aieta.

The Chiesa Santa Maria della Visitazione was built over a small Norman church. On November 8, 1530, it became the only parish church in Aieta. Inside is an altarpiece of the Visitation created in 1576 by the Neapolitan painter Fabrizio Santafede. The furnishings also include the Bossi organ, which was delivered to the church on August 19, 1673.

Smaller details also make the town center interesting. Aieta’s historic center contains stone portals carved by local craftsmen. Vico dei Baci is considered one of the narrowest streets in Italy and is only 52 centimeters wide. The portals and Vico dei Baci complement the major buildings with the historic center’s artisanal and spatial details. For a culture-focused stay, Palazzo, Chiesa Santa Maria della Visitazione, the stone portals and Vico dei Baci can be considered separate points of interest in the historic center.

Geology in the Built-Up Area and Route 665 to Monte Curatolo

Within Aieta’s built-up area, outcrops of the Pollino–Ciagola unit with carbonate slope deposits occur. In Aieta’s built-up area, the geological reference remains specifically tied to this settlement area.

Route 665 leads from Piazza Lomonaco to Monte Curatolo in Aieta and is designated as an E hiking trail with the number 4.387; those planning to use it have Piazza Lomonaco as a starting point and Monte Curatolo as a destination. For a stay with different focuses, Route 665 can be noted as a separate route point alongside the historic center’s buildings.

Monastery Church, Watermills, Bridge and Local Events

Among Aieta’s attractions is the church of the Monastery of the Friars Minor Observants of Saint Francis of Assisi. The old watermills and the medieval bridge are also among the places worth seeing.

Local events also provide their own highlights. The Sagra del Fusillo in Aieta takes place in August and includes an exhibition of local products. On June 15, the patronal celebration in Aieta includes a Mass and a procession. In Aieta, the religious patronal celebration on June 15 and the Sagra del Fusillo in August take place during separate periods.

Further destinations

Further destinations: Terme Luigiane, Carolei, Montalto Uffugo, Campora San Giovanni, Marano Marchesato, Lorica, Roseto Capo Spulico, Bonifati

For the higher-level travel overview: Cosenza.