Longobardi: Coast, Village Center and Mountain Landscape

Longobardi combines a coastal landscape, a historic village and a mountain landscape. If you would like to combine different landscapes with local history during your trip to Italy, this destination offers a clear thematic range. The Santi Quaranta coastal watchtower is still in relatively good condition and occupies a scenic location overlooking the sea.

Historic Center and Sacred Architecture

The historic center of Longobardi is an agriculturally shaped village center dating from the first quarter of the 7th century. The Chiesa Matrice of Longobardi was built in 1759 in the Baroque style and is dedicated to Saint Domenica, virgin and martyr. The birthplace of San Nicola Saggio was converted into an oratory in 1786. The Church of San Francesco di Paola contains two marble statues of Saint Francis of Paola and Saint Innocenza.

Watchtower and Palazzo Miceli

The view of the sea is as much a part of the local landscape at the Santi Quaranta coastal watchtower as its comparatively good state of preservation. Palazzo Miceli includes the 1,200 m² Giardino di San Nicola, with a communal oven, a communal De.Co. garden and an area with historic fruit trees.

Forest Landscape and Route

The pine forest of Longobardi has several springs, including the Pagliarone spring, and is visited by day-trippers at Easter and during the summer. The forest area of Longobardi stretches from the hamlet of Le Pera to the slopes of Monte Cocuzzo. This brings into view a natural area that combines springs, forest and an expansive landscape between Le Pera and the slopes of Monte Cocuzzo.

The Sentiero di San Nicola Saggio is a path approximately 1,500 m long. It begins near the former SS 18 at Tre Ponti, follows a paved road section to the birthplace of San Nicola Saggio in the historic center of Longobardi, and runs mostly through the Vallone Cordari. For your day planning, the route thus combines landscape with a specific site connected to local history.

Local Specialties and Festivals

Fasulu ’du Piru distinguishes between the two locally named varieties povareddra and mascariaddru. The annual Festival della Violetta is dedicated to the Melanzana Violetta. In this way, Longobardi also introduces you to specific product names and a festival theme that places a particular eggplant at the center.

Arrival and Choice of Location

Amantea railway station is 7 km from Longobardi, while Paola railway station is 20 km away. When planning your arrival and the location of your accommodation, these two distances provide a clear spatial orientation: Amantea is closer to the town, while Paola is farther away. In addition, you can consider whether the coastal landscape, the historic village center, the forest or the route to the birthplace should be the focus of your trip.

More Destinations

Cutura, Grisolia, Castroregio, Laurignano, Rende, Frascineto, Acri, Cantinella

To the higher-level travel overview: Cosenza.