Cetraro

History and Atmosphere of Cetraro

Cetraro is a municipality located in the Province of Cosenza, in the Calabria Region of Italy. Its history dates back to the medieval era, when it was a small fortified village. Over the centuries, the town has been influenced by the various dominations that have shaped the history of Calabria, such as the Aragonese, the Spanish, and the Austrians. Today, Cetraro is a lively and welcoming town, renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

What to See in Cetraro

Cetraro offers a variety of tourist attractions that may interest visitors. Here are some of the main ones:

• Mother Church of San Nicola: a beautiful 17th-century Baroque church, with an interior decorated with frescoes and a tall, slender bell tower.
• Norman-Swabian Castle: a medieval castle dating back to the 12th century, with well-preserved walls and towers. Today, it houses a museum that tells the story of the town.
• Regional Natural Park of the Monti Poro and Alto Crotonese: a protected natural area offering opportunities for hiking or cycling, with panoramic views of the valley and the sea.

Where to Eat in Cetraro

Cetraro is known for its traditional Calabrian cuisine, which is based on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The town's typical dishes include:

• Hunter-style chicken (Pollo alla cacciatora): a dish of chicken cooked with vegetables and seasonings, served with potatoes and rice.
• Spaghetti with sardines: a dish of spaghetti seasoned with sardines, olives, and garlic, served with a drizzle of olive oil.
• Ricotta and sour cherry tart: a typical Calabrian dessert made with ricotta, sour cherries, and sugar, served with a cappuccino or coffee.

To taste these dishes and more, there are several restaurants and trattorias in the town, offering a variety of options for all tastes and budgets.

Where to Stay in Cetraro

Cetraro offers various accommodation options, from tourist facilities to B&Bs and farm stays. Here are some of the best options:

• Hotel Villa dei Fiori: a luxury hotel with elegant rooms and a well-kept garden.
• B&B La Casa dei Sogni: a cozy B&B with comfortable rooms and a garden where you can enjoy breakfast.
• Agriturismo La Quercia: a farm stay offering rooms and apartments in a rural setting, with opportunities for excursions and outdoor activities.

Events, Festivals, and Fairs in Cetraro

Cetraro is a town that celebrates its festivals and fairs with great enthusiasm throughout the year. Here are some of the main ones:

• Feast of San Nicola: a patronal festival held on December 6th, featuring processions, concerts, and the distribution of sweets and wine.
• Chestnut Festival: a fair held in October, with tastings of chestnuts and local products.
• Music Festival: a festival held in June, featuring live music concerts and activities for children.

Photographs and Postcards from Cetraro

Cetraro is a town that offers many opportunities to take beautiful photographs and buy postcards to send to friends and family. Here are some of the highlights:

• The Mother Church of San Nicola: a beautiful Baroque church with an interior decorated with frescoes and a tall, slender bell tower.
• The Norman-Swabian Castle: a medieval castle with well-preserved walls and towers.
• The Regional Natural Park of the Monti Poro and Alto Crotonese: a protected natural area with panoramic views of the valley and the sea.

Nearby Attractions from Cetraro

Cetraro is located in a strategic area of Calabria, just a few kilometers from other places of interest. Here are some of the main ones:

The city of Cosenza, the capital of Calabria, is just 30 kilometers from Cetraro and offers a variety of tourist attractions, such as the Norman-Swabian Castle and the National Archaeological Museum of Calabria.

The city of Paola, known for its architectural beauty and history, is just 20 kilometers from Cetraro and offers a variety of tourist attractions, such as the Cathedral of San Sisto and the Diocesan Museum.

The city of Sibari, known for its history and natural beauty, is just 40 kilometers from Cetraro and offers a variety of tourist attractions, such as the National Archaeological Museum of Calabria and the Pollino Regional Natural Park.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)