Discover Altomonte: Medieval Heritage, Art and Nature

Art and history in the medieval townscape

Altomonte has preserved its intact medieval urban structure. This historical character is particularly evident in the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Consolazione. The church was built around 1336 at the instigation of Filippo Sangineto, the first Count of Altomonte. The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Consolazione also contains the tomb monument of the Sangineto family.

Another important building is the Convento dei Domenicani, which was constructed in the 15th century at the instigation of Cobella Ruffo Sanseverino. The restored Convento dei Domenicani has been home to the Museo Civico since 1980. The Museo Civico houses San Ladislao by Simone Martini, a panel painting created in 1326. For visitors interested in culture, the historic architecture of the convent is combined here with a single work from Italian art history.

Altomonte is also dedicated to the Calabrian artist Franco Azzinari. The Museo Franco Azzinari houses the “Vent’anni con la natura” collection, featuring 40 significant works by the artist. Four rooms of the museum are dedicated to his Cuban works. The Torre Pallotta, restored in 1991, now serves as an exhibition venue for Franco Azzinari. Several independent sites and collections thus make different approaches to art visible within the preserved historic urban fabric.

Panoramic views and nature in Parco del Farneto

The Castello Feudale features a panoramic loggia facing the Pollino massif. Altomonte’s natural side is also represented by the Parco comunale naturale del Farneto. This municipal woodland park covers approximately 200 hectares, making it one of the town’s most extensive green spaces.

Parco Comunale del Farneto G. De Rosa contains an artificial lake covering approximately eight hectares of the park. The park also has equipped picnic and barbecue areas. Together with the size of the woodland park and the lake, this creates a tangible contrast to the churches, towers and museums of the historic centre: Altomonte therefore appeals both to visitors interested in culture and to travellers who would like to spend time in nature.

Events and cultural life

The Teatro Belluscio hosts events, performances and cultural initiatives throughout the year. The Euromediterraneo Festival also takes place every year in Altomonte’s village centre. Both venues and formats broaden the view of Altomonte beyond individual monuments and museums, giving the town a cultural dimension that extends throughout the year and beyond the festival dates.

How to get to Altomonte

Altomonte can be reached via the A3 Salerno–Reggio Calabria motorway and the exit of the same name. From the exit, it is 10 km along a provincial road. This information provides a clear basis for planning your journey and helps put the town’s location into perspective when choosing accommodation in Altomonte.

Other places to compare

For comparison with other destinations, you can also view Cirella, Cassano Allo Ionio, Croce di Magara, Rovito, Cutura, Longobardi, La Bruca and Cetraro.

To the main travel overview: Cosenza.