Cosoleto: Churches, Aspromonte and Olive Groves

Cosoleto combines the northern foothills of the Aspromonte massif with an elevated location among olive groves and views over the Gioia Tauro plain. The municipality is one of the 37 municipalities of the Aspromonte National Park. Extensive woodland with beech trees, holm oaks, firs and larches characterizes the area. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Cosoleto will find a place where the landscape, regional culture and active pursuits come together to accommodate a range of travel ideas.

History between reconstruction and remembrance

Greek was spoken in Cosoleto until the 16th century. The earthquake of 1783 destroyed the old village, the castle, the monastery and the Church of San Nicolò, reducing them to rubble. In 1806, Cosoleto was rebuilt in a safer location on the site of the present-day town center. Santa Maria delle Grazie has ancient origins and is one of Cosoleto’s two parish churches. The second parish church is located in the district of Sitizano and is dedicated to Santa Domenica.

Churches, squares and special collections

The Church of Santa Domenica in Sitizano was rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake and restored in the 1930s and 1940s. Built in the Neo-Renaissance style, it houses a marble holy water font, a painting of Saint Joseph, the coat of arms of the Marchesi Taccone and frescoes in the presbytery. Piazza Italia is home to the monument to the fallen soldiers of the First World War, created in 1925 by the sculptor Barca. The ancient fountain, built in the neoclassical style in 1899, also stands there. The Museo delle Carrozze – Marchesi Taccone di Sitizano displays Italian and French carriages from the 19th and 20th centuries. It is housed in the former stables in the immediate vicinity of the residence of the Marchesi Taccone.

Landscape, gorges and regional flavors

Cosoleto’s natural attractions include the Gole del Vallone del Cervo. They are of national relevance and have scientific, geotouristic and aesthetic significance. The centuries-old olive trees produce the native varieties Sinopolese and Ottobratico; their fruit is used to make oil. In this way, the landscape can be experienced not only through its forests, gorges and slopes, but also through a characteristic regional product.

Trails, festivals and spiritual destinations

The Sentiero del Brigante can be hiked in both directions. Some alternative sections can also be traversed on horseback or by mountain bike. On January 20, 2024, Cosoleto celebrated the Festa di San Sebastiano, the municipality’s patronal feast, with a religious service in the Church of Maria SS delle Grazie. In Acquaro, the Church of San Rocco was built between 1926 and 1932 and elevated to sanctuary status in 1956; the sanctuary contains murals depicting scenes from the life of Saint Roch. If you would like to combine culture and exercise within your travel group, these different focuses can help guide the choice of a holiday apartment in Cosoleto.

More places to discover: Brancaleone Superiore, Cittanova, Polistena, Bovalino Marina, Bagnara Calabra, Tritanti, Villa San Giovanni, Marina Di Gioiosa Ionica

For the higher-level travel overview: Reggio Calabria.