Experiential tour in the village of Castrolibero

Have you ever heard of an "open door on the village" of Castrolibero, in the province of Cosenza?

It is a "slow tourism" project designed to revive the places and the community of Castrolibero, or Castrufrancu as the locals call it, in an environmentally sustainable way, evoking a history as ancient as it is fascinating.

It was here, in the ninth century, that an army of Franks led by Count Ottone of Bergamo came to camp to oppose the small Arab emirate of nearby Amantea. Want to learn more and experience an immersive day in Castrolibero?

Follow us on a "slow tourism" experience suspended between nature, art, history and conviviality.

The Castrolibero "Open door on the village" project was born from a fruitful synergy between the municipality of Castrolibero, local associations and citizens, with the aim of revitalising the village and its social fabric through a genuine redevelopment of the historic centre and the development of activities designed for both inhabitants and visitors. 

A romantic and genuine vision, underpinned by a model of innovation that focuses on people and communities as actors in a mutual exchange with those who come to visit Castrolibero.

What does the village offer its guests? A unique experience, which starts with a visit to some symbolic places and is articulated in a fully-fledged "slow" itinerary, made up of events, thematic itineraries of discovery and cultural exchanges.

The "slow" rediscovery route starts from the ancient name of the municipality of Castrolibero, which until 1863 was called Castelfranco (Castrufrancu, in the local dialect) and only after the Unification of Italy did it become Castrolibero, in reference to "the unobstructed horizon that can be enjoyed from the top of the mountain" (Decurionate).

These are the places of the experiential route through the streets of Castrolibero:

• Info Point - Slow Food (reception and tasting point in the main square)
• Botteghe dell'Arte (art and craft workshops in Piazza Dionigi De Cicco)
• Cinema and Workshops (former Church of San Giovanni, 16th century)
• Theatre and Experiential Museum (Church of Santa Maria della Stella)
• Sports Quarter (Patitucci-Pellicori Sports Centre)
• School of Taste (in Via Umberto I, cooking masterclasses and tasting of typical products)
• Cafè Conciliary Room (emotional and intergenerational space in the ruins of the former Church of San Giovanni)
• Palazzotto Baths (former Casa Ruffolo, wellness centre in historic building)

What are you waiting for to live an immersive experience, with the whole family, in the ancient village of Castrolibero?

Stay updated on the continuous evolutions of this "work in progress" project and help repopulate a small outpost of culture and sociality, not far from the city of Cosenza.