Cosenza

Cosenza, province of Calabria region, has a population of approximately 71,000 inhabitants while the metropolitan area adds up to around 200,000 inhabitants. Cosenza celebrates its Patron Saint, the Madonna del Pilerio, on February 12 every year. From a geographical point of view, Cosenza is located on seven hills surrounded by the Sila mountains, a wooden upland inhabited by wolves, the symbol of the town and of the local football club. During the history, Cosenza was at first conquered by the Romans, then by the Lombards, the Byzantines, the Normans and the Swabians. Emperor Frederick II of Swabia had a particular interest in the town and completed the construction of the Cathedral where his son Henry VII was buried. Later Cosenza was ruled by the Aragonese family and the Angevins. The town is also sadly famous because of a place called Vallone del Romito, where the Bandiera brothers were executed. All year long, Cosenza is animated by many typical cultural events such as the Fiera di San Giuseppe (religious festival) with many stalls extending from the Historical Centre to Viale Giacomo Mancini (former Viale Parco). Also famous are the New Year's Eve celebrations with renowned artists from all over Italy. The main architectural and cultural attractions are situated in the historical centre of Cosenza. In Corso Telesio are situated the Cathedral and the Casa delle Culture (The House of the Cultures); the Fontana dei 13 Canali (Fountain of the 13 Canals) whose water comes directly from the Zumpo Aqueduct on the Sila mountain. In the background, tourists can admire the marvellous Swabian Castle, built by Frederick II. Also famous is the MAP (Museo all'Aria Aperta, Open Air Museum) situated in Corso Mazzini housing masterpieces realized by international artists.