San Nicola Dell'alto: Language, Churches and Regional Cuisine
San Nicola dell'Alto reveals its distinctive character through the combination of language, religious buildings, mountain landscapes and regional products. The town is particularly interesting for you if you would like to get to know Italy not only through individual sights, but also through local traditions, distinctive townscapes and culinary specialties.
Language and Sacred Buildings
San Nicola dell'Alto preserves its Italo-Albanian language and Balkan customs. Its history dates back to the 15th century, when the town was founded by Albanian refugees. This cultural heritage can be found in its traditional customs as well as in Arbëreshë handicrafts, which include textiles, embroidery and goldsmithing in particular.
The historic center is characterized by narrow alleys, flying buttresses, barrel vaults and spacious squares. Its sacred buildings include the Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo, the Chiesa Madre and the Chiesa di San Domenico. The Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo houses an 18th-century icon of Saint Michael; a statue of the saint dating from 1600 is also kept there. The Chiesa Madre is dedicated to San Nicola di Mira and was built in 1675. The Chiesa di San Domenico was originally built in the 15th century and preserves the tomb of the Simeone family and the associated memorial plaque.
A large-scale work of art is also part of the townscape: the monument “Invocazione alla pace” is more than seven meters high and made from a single block of white Carrara marble. A cultural event with a fixed date is the patronal festival in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel, celebrated on the first Sunday in May.
Landscape between Monte Pizzuta and Monte San Michele
Monte Pizzuta reaches an elevation of 650 m and lies in an area characterized by lush pine forest. Basilian monks settled on Monte San Michele, which rises to 600 m, as early as previous centuries.
The Belvedere of San Nicola dell'Alto is also important for finding your way around the landscape: from there, you can enjoy views across the hills of the Marchesato as far as the sea.
Handicrafts, Desserts and Wine
The town's distinctive character is also reflected in its cuisine. Local specialties include Calabrian cured meats such as Salsiccia, Soppressata, Capocollo and Prosciutto, as well as sheep's and goat's cheese. Traditional desserts range from Taralli, Bocconotti and Turdilli to Crespelle, Pittechiuse, Crustuli and Mustacciuolo, as well as Cuzzupa, a traditional Easter sweet.
Local wine is a special culinary feature. It is produced in part using special methods in which grapes and must ferment in underground amphorae.
To the higher-level travel overview: Crotone.
Check prices, availability and amenities for your travel dates directly on Booking.com.
View accommodations and offersAdvertisement · Affiliate link to Booking.com
.jpg){kind=link}