Plataci: Arbëreshë Culture, Pollino and Nature

Plataci combines a distinctive Arbëreshë culture with the green landscape of the eastern Pollino. The town lies at the foot of a spur of the eastern Pollino range, belongs to Pollino National Park and is situated at 930 metres above sea level. Its urban layout resembles an amphitheatre overlooking the coast.

Woodland and nature around Plataci

Dense woodland of downy oaks, Turkey oaks, maples and evergreen trees surrounds Plataci. Above the town lies the Bosco della montagnola, forming a wooded belt. Clear streams line Plataci and complement the landscape.

In the nearby area, Monte Barone has an equipped picnic area. Lago Forano lies on the high-altitude slope of Monte Sparviere and is considered a site of particular natural-scientific interest. The Torretta forestale is a viewpoint, while the Sentieri naturalistici lead through several scenic stops.

Arbëreshë traditions and historic buildings

Plataci preserves its Arbëreshë mother tongue and traditional customs. The Greek-Byzantine rite is practised in the town. The settlement has late medieval origins and was founded in the second half of the 15th century by a group of Albanian refugees.

The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista has a basilica-style layout with three naves and a semi-octagonal apse. The Chiesa di San Rocco was built at the end of the 19th century. Still visible today is the “Sistema Gramisci” clock, which bears witness to local mechanical craftsmanship.

The Concorso Murales initiative was launched in 2007 to create murals on the façades of houses in Plataci’s historic centre. In Plataci, the Itinerari Gramsciani have been associated with a series of conferences and discussion panels since 1997.

Chapel, trails and events

The Cappella della Madonna del Monte was built in 1954. Its feast is held on 21 August, with processions in the morning and afternoon. The celebration includes a pilgrimage on foot along wooded paths to Monte Barone, where the chapel is located.

Plataciland is an adventure park immediately next to the centre of Plataci. On 17 and 18 August 2024, Gjitonia was a two-day cultural event featuring music, dances and cultural encounters that highlighted the values of the Arbëreshë community and neighbourhood. As its sixth edition, Gjitonia is included in Plataci’s summer programme for 2026.

Shtridhla as a culinary speciality

SHTRIDHËLA is hand-pulled pasta. It is made by progressively thinning a firm dough of flour, water and salt. The traditional Sagra della Shtridhla is part of the municipal summer programme for 2026 and adds a culinary focus to Plataci’s cultural offering.

More destinations for regional orientation

For further orientation, you can also explore Mormanno, Rocca Imperiale, Colosimi, Maierà, Castrovillari, Cerchiara Di Calabria, Fagnano Castello and Calopezzati.

For the overarching travel overview: Cosenza.