Rose on the Crati: History, Customs and Local Culture

Rose is situated on a hill on the right bank of the Crati. The town combines this setting with architectural history, religious customs and regional culture. The history of Rose includes historic buildings, archaeological sites and festival traditions.

Landscape and Regional Products

The Javas stream is part of the landscape: it runs north of Rose’s hill and flows into the Crati River via the Vallonarì. Olives, chestnuts and figs are cultivated in Rose. The cultivation of olives, chestnuts and figs adds an agricultural dimension to the river landscape.

Architectural History in the Town

In the historic centre, Castello di Rose stands at the highest point above a ditch that served as natural protection against enemy attacks. Castello di Rose was built in the 13th century. The Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie also stands in Rose’s inhabited centre. The Convento Agostiniano di San Pietro Apostolo in Rose dates from the 14th century; the Chiesa della SS. Annunziata is also located in Rose. The dates therefore differ: Castello di Rose was built in the 13th century, while the convent dates from the 14th century.

The name San Nicola refers to a former monastery in the lower part of Rose, near Serrone.

Archaeological Traces in the Crati Valley

In the Crati Valley, materials from Cutura di Rose are associated with the circulation of grave goods. The Kore Italiota found in the Area delle Fate locality in Rose is a bronze statuette from the 6th century BC. The Kore Italiota is regarded as evidence of the presence of Greek culture in the area of Rose.

Customs, Processions and Festival Culture

Rose preserves customs that combine religious beliefs and communal festival culture. Affàscinu is a folk custom in Rose intended to ward off the evil eye and remains vibrant in the local culture. Affàscinu concerns the evil eye, while “u carvariu” is a religious pilgrimage procession. The Nativity scene by Carlino Mammone has a century-old family tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Held on Holy Saturday, “u carvariu” in Rose is a religious pilgrimage procession featuring folk songs and the recitation of “u' rillogiu”. Rose’s carnival tradition includes groups of young people singing “la strina”.

In Rose’s town centre, artistic nativity scenes are set up at Christmas and remain on display until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on 2 February. The celebrations in honour of Saint Lawrence in Rose included a traditional procession on 10 August. The culinary side of the carnival tradition includes sampling soppressata and typical sweets.

More Destinations for Orientation

San Nicola Arcella, Firmo, Praia A Mare, Marina di Santa Maria del Cedro, Rovito, Castrovillari, Montalto Uffugo, Mirto

For the overarching travel overview: Cosenza.