Monterosso Calabro

The charm of Monterosso Calabro, a small town in the Serre Regional Park, nestled in the Angitola Valley, is written in its name, due to the suggestive reflection that illuminates it at sunset.

Amidst churches and ancient buildings, the historic centre is characterised by the fine Lion's Staircase and the Norman-era Watchtower that dominates the town. Not to be missed are the ruins of the small Church of the Addolorata in the Condolima district, silent witnesses to the many earthquakes.

The Museum of Rural and Artisan Civilisation is worth a visit. It tells the story of the trades and ancient local traditions linked to agro-pastoral life and flax processing, witnessed by the two ancient spinning mills (one of which houses the museum) and the industrial archaeological area with the ruins of the production buildings.

After visiting the town, a must-see is the WWF Oasis of Lake Angitola, a wetland of international significance that is a key stopover for migratory birds.

The birdlife around the lake counts more than 130 bird species and it is not difficult, during migration periods, to spot red herons, hawks, bee-eaters, cormorants and, of course, the lake's iconic bird: the elegant Great Crested Grebe.