Lago: Churches, Customs and History in the Valle dell’Oliva
Lago lies on the ridge of Monte Verzi in the Valle dell’Oliva. The town combines a distinctive landscape setting with churches, traditional customs, historic townscapes and culinary traditions. For your travel planning, Lago can therefore be explored through several specific themes: architecture, local culture, recurring festivals and typical flavours.
Architecture with Its Own Character
The interior of the Chiesa di San Nicola di Bari features late Baroque decorative design. The Chiesa della SS. Annunziata presents a different architectural accent: its pointed-arch portal dates from the 19th century, with a rose window above it.
Strina and Traditional Local Culture
The Strina Laghitana consists of distinctive terzinas with eleven-syllable lines. The inhabitants of Lago traditionally composed and sang these verses to the slow accompaniment of guitars and mandolins.
In the traditional Strina custom, the Strinari once went through the town’s streets during the period from Christmas to Candlemas.
Presepe, Hocara and Carnevale
The Presepe di San Giuseppe has been dismantled every year since 1975 and completely rebuilt the following year. Each edition depicts streets from Lago’s historic centre as they looked in the early 1950s. In this way, the Presepe combines a recurring annual cycle with a specific historical image of the town.
As part of the Hocara tradition, people can gather in the church square of San Giuseppe throughout the entire opening period of the Presepe. Trincuni are lit there and burn throughout the night. Independently of this, Lago’s Carnevale Estivo has taken place every year since 1981. The Carnevale Estivo, held annually since 1981, takes place later than the early 1950s period represented by the Presepe. For your planning, this results in different cultural focal points centred on customs, local history and community festivals.
Landscape and Cuisine
The Fiume Licetto runs north of Lago, while the Torrente Acero lies south of the town. Cuisine is also part of the local character: Pane e cumpane combines the old tradition of homemade bread with typical flavours of Italian gastronomy. An excursion entitled “Risalita del fiume Eliceto – Lago (CS)” was scheduled for 16 September 2023.
Accommodation to Suit Your Interests
Choosing a hotel in Lago can be guided by your personal travel themes. This means Lago remains a clearly defined destination for different interests, without any single aspect determining the town on its own.
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In addition, you can include Lungro, Santa Sofia D'epiro, Intavolata, Castroregio and Francavilla Marittima in your further travel planning.
For the overarching travel overview: Cosenza.
More About the Destination
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