Holiday apartment in Alessandria del Carretto – Nature and Tradition

Alessandria del Carretto combines the natural beauty of Pollino with unusual cultural and traditional experiences. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Alessandria del Carretto, you can spend your days exploring woodland paths, designated cycling routes, museums and an extraordinary spring festival. The destination is therefore particularly suitable if you would like to combine landscapes with local history.

Holiday apartment in Alessandria del Carretto between woodland and high-altitude trails

The “Difisella” Botanical Garden is located within the municipal territory of Alessandria del Carretto, in Zone 2 of Pollino National Park. The site covers more than two hectares and consists mainly of mixed woodland dominated by deciduous trees. Numerous tree, shrub and herb species contribute to its high biodiversity. The paths follow a spiral route from 1,020 m to an altitude of 1,082 m and end at a platform with a wooden shelter roof.

The Acereta on Monte Sparviere is also located within the Natura 2000 site, specifically the “Monte Sparviere” SIC, code IT9310019. The Acereta di Alessandria del Carretto has also been included in the network of ancient forests in the national parks of the southern Apennines within Pollino National Park. This gives your planning a clear focus: you can combine your accommodation with a nature-based programme without losing sight of the area’s cultural characteristics.

Hiking and cycling with routes offering different profiles

The Cammino Basiliano includes an E-rated stage from Oriolo to Alessandria del Carretto, which is also open to mountain bikes. Trail 1 of the Cammino Mariano Pollino offers a 134 km road-cycling route and a 37.4 km trekking route from Alessandria del Carretto to Civita. The different lengths help you choose between an extended cycling tour and a shorter activity with a different focus.

The Sparviere cycling route begins in the built-up area of Alessandria del Carretto, near Ambrosia Hostel. It is approximately 18 km long overall, is considered not particularly demanding and can be ridden in the opposite direction at a lower level of difficulty. The route passes through the Acereta and continues through Località Tappaiolo, where there is an artificial lake and a picnic area.

Museums, church and the history of the town

The Chiesa Sant'Alessandro Papa Martire is freely accessible during religious services. The Museo Alessandrino delle Maschere is located in Palazzo Chidichimo. The palazzo was built in the 17th century and is one of the oldest buildings in the town. The museum houses a collection of objects associated with carnival rites from around the world, particularly from Italy.

The Museo Naturalistico del Lupo is housed in the former primary school building. It uses dioramas to recreate the protected area’s various habitats and to convey the history of the wolf and its relationship with humans. The museum also organises seminars, conferences and events relating to its subject area. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore take both cultural and natural-history interests into account alongside excursions into the landscape.

Festa della Pita and distinctive mask traditions

The Festa della Pita takes place on the last Sunday in April. A characteristic feature is that men carry the plant on their shoulders or by hand. The plant used is approximately 18 metres long on average. Alessandria del Carretto’s carnival tradition distinguishes between the “Pohicinelle bielle” and the dark mask known as “l’Uerse”, made from black goat or sheep skin and decorated with chains and bells.

Further local pages for planning your trip: Torremezzo Di Falconara, Pietrapaola, Tessano, Rose, Mangone, Nocara, Belmonte Calabro, Spezzano Della Sila.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cosenza.