Belmonte Calabro: Churches, Fortifications and Seascape
Accommodation in Belmonte Calabro
Belmonte Calabro is a historically distinctive town with churches, traces of fortifications, local culinary traditions and natural features. Here, exploring the town's history combines with impressions of river and seascapes.
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Photo: Aquilachrysaetos at English Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Old Town between Castle and Fortifications
The historic center lies on a rocky hill, developed around the castle, and is characterized by old houses and narrow, winding alleys with steps. Fortification walls still surround much of the old town. Historically, three gates led into the town and to the castle: the Porta di Mare, the Porta di Terra and a side gate to the north, which is still visible.
The architectural heritage includes the Palazzo del Rivellino. It was built in 1627 as a fortification around an existing square tower, which Torino Ravaschieri had already built in 1579.
Churches with Art and Remembrance
The Chiesa Santa Maria Assunta is a 16th-century church located next to the castle esplanade. An oil painting by Francesco Basile from 1794–1795 hangs above its main altar. It depicts the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven.
The Chiesa del Purgatorio dates from the 14th century and was the parish church of Belmonte Calabro until 1585. Its interior also houses a blue silk banner in the shape of a triangular sail. It was associated with the Rosary procession of a Rosary confraternity made up of fishermen.
The Chiesa del Carmine is connected to a monastery dating from 1562. Beneath the floor of its apse is a crypt from 1586 containing the tomb of Torino and that of the first Ravaschieri.
The Convento dei Cappuccini, built by Maria Ravaschieri in 1606, preserves a cloister with a colonnade and vaults. A fountain stands in the center of the courtyard; a portico with two old sundials completes the ensemble.
Museum, Views and Landscape
The Centro Culturale Informatizzato includes a municipal museum commemorating the history and culture of the people of Belmonte Calabro. The Mausoleo Michele Bianchi features a 35-meter-high column with an internal spiral staircase leading to a viewing terrace.
The Veri River is 7 kilometers long. It rises in the hilly hinterland, crosses a terraced landscape and reaches the sea. The seascape includes the Oasi Blu Isca marine area near Belmonte Calabro. It is managed by the WWF and its associated CEAM, was established in 1991 and lies around the Scogli di Isca.
Local Flavors
Belmonte Calabro also has its own culinary specialty: the Pomodoro di Belmonte is a typical product of the municipality and is protected by a De.C.O. designation.
Discover More Places
For further travel planning, you can also explore Maierà, Montalto Uffugo, Rende, San Lorenzo Bellizzi, Acquappesa Cs, Farneta, Acri and Amantea.
For the overarching travel overview: Cosenza.
