Trip to Oriolo, among The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy

Nestled at the foot of its castle, Oriolo, among The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy in the province of Cosenza, seems suspended in a distant time, between the slopes of the Pollino and the hills that gently slope down to the sea.

A trip to Oriolo is a pleasant "slow" experience to share with the whole family. A moment to disconnect from everyday life and immerse oneself in an ancient world in which figures from a lost community survive.

From the Ionic State Road 106, we take the road up the course of the Ferro, and enjoy the Mediterranean landscape, among fields of wheat, olive groves and walnut trees, which leads us to the historic centre.

What to see in Oriolo

As we walk through the streets of the 17th-century village, we discover its hidden beauties: the noble palaces overlooking the main street, an ancient link between the residence of the local squire and the 15th-century walls, now reduced to ruins.

The undisputed symbol of the village, the Oriolo Castle was erected by the Sanseverino family and still keeps intact its original structure, characterised by two watchtowers and the donjon around which the entire building develops.

Recently restored, the castle can be visited and it hosts events and exhibitions in its various rooms: the Banqueting Hall, the Audience Hall, the Hall of Flags, the military and service rooms and the precious Bedchamber of Margherita Pignone del Carretto, with its dome frescoed with a Triumph of Apollo.

Opposite the castle stands the other architectural landmark of the medieval village, the splendid Mother Church of San Giorgio. The building's Norman origin is attested by the presence of the two monumental lions guarding the central entrance and dated 1264. Inside, a 15th-century statue of the Madonna and Child and the monumental Baroque altar stand out among the many valuable works of art.

The church houses two important relics, respectively belonging to St George and St Francis of Paola, a collection of silverware, statuettes from 17th century Spain, an 18th century Ecce Homo and the crypts of the early church.

Other sacred buildings not to be missed are the Church of San Rocco and the Chapel of the Madonna delle Virtù.

The territory of Oriolo is a treasure chest of hidden surprises, which sometimes emerge by chance, as happened during some maintenance work that brought to light, 5 m below the town, the remains of a Franciscan Convent dating back to 1439.

There are many museums not to be missed, some of which are part of the MUDAM - Museum of the Arts and Crafts, a cultural centre that embraces the entire territory and is divided into different locations: the Museum of Rural Civilisation in the 18th-century Palazzo Giannettasio, the Civic Museum - "House of Culture", the Municipal Art Gallery, the Porta San Giacomo Gallery, the House of Arts and Ideas.

Lastly, the Palazzo Tarsia-Toscano Library Centre, a centre of studies and valuable sources on Oriolo and the whole of Calabria, divided into sections that include: Documentation Centre Foundation, "Luigi Di Gianni" Foundation, "Leonardo Alario" Audio Foundation, Calabro-Lucano Study Centre and the Library.

Both the museum and library centres are equipped with multimedia supports, educational spaces (also open to the local area, such as farms and workshops) and augmented reality stations.

What to do in Oriolo

Lovers of theatre seasons can follow the events of the Valle Theatre and, in summer, the open-air "La Portella" Theatre.

The best times to visit Oriolo? Around the time of the religious festivals dedicated to the two local saints, St George and St Francis of Paola.

Gourmets will love to taste the 3 products with De.Co. (Denomination of Communal Origin) marks that a virtuous chain of local agro-pastoral producers is protecting and enhancing as identity products: Capretto da Latte, Taralli al Finocchietto (fennel-flavoured biscuits) and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Typical recipes include two first courses: firzuli with breadcrumbs and rasctèlli with ricotta and peppers.