Cosenza is a town of 63,449 inhabitants in the province of Cosenza, in Calabria, Italy. It is the capital of its province.
The municipality covers 37.24 km², with a density of 1,704 inhabitants per km².
The nearest airport is Lamezia Terme (SUF), about 43 km away as the crow flies. Read our guide to the airport.
Things to see in Cosenza
The Athens of Calabria
Cosenza stands where the Crati and Busento rivers meet, at the foot of the Sila plateau. Its old town on the Pancrazio hill was a lively centre of learning, which earned it the name "Athens of Calabria". Legend says that Alaric, king of the Visigoths, lies buried with his treasure under the Busento.
What to see
The cathedral, consecrated in 1222 in the presence of Frederick II, is part of UNESCO's "Messengers of a Culture of Peace" heritage. Corso Telesio climbs through the old town to the Norman-Swabian castle, with views over the valley. In the new town, Corso Mazzini is an open air museum, the MAB, with sculptures by Dalí, De Chirico and Manzù. The Teatro Rendano and the Galleria Nazionale in Palazzo Arnone complete the visit.
Food
Fileja pasta with 'nduja, soppressata, caciocavallo silano, the Sila potatoes and mushrooms, and the fig-based sweets called crocette.
Around Cosenza
The Sila National Park with Camigliatello, Spezzano della Sila and San Giovanni in Fiore, Altomonte, Morano Calabro and the Pollino park, the Arbëreshë village of Civita and the Riviera dei Cedri with Diamante and Scalea. Lamezia Terme airport is 50 minutes away.
Cosenza on the map
Nearby towns
Where to stay in and around Cosenza
Tours and activities nearby
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