Altomonte Monumentale: Angevin Art Engraved in History

Altomonte , a jewel nestled in the province of Cosenza, is a city that reveals itself as a true open-air museum . Its monuments are silent witnesses to a glorious past, particularly under the Angevin , which transformed the village into one of the most significant artistic and cultural centers of Southern Italy.

1. The Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione: The Gothic Icon

It is the artistic symbol par excellence of Altomonte and one of the greatest examples of Gothic-Angevin architecture in Calabria .

• Architectural Majesty: The church immediately strikes you with its imposing façade, embellished with a magnificent rose window and elegant decorative elements. Its construction, strongly supported by Filippo di Sangineto in the 14th century, marked the height of the village's feudal power.
• Internal Treasures: The interior, with a single nave and trussed vault, houses precious works, including a finely carved wooden choir and, in particular, the ancient Sarcophagus of Filippo di Sangineto , which testifies to the deep bond between the local nobility and artistic patronage.

2. The Norman-Swabian Castle: Sentinel of the Landscape

Built on a rocky spur, the Feudal Castle dominates the entire town and the Esaro Valley, offering a view that extends as far as the Ionian Sea.

• Ancient Roots and Transformations: Although the first fortifications date back to the Norman (12th century), the structure was expanded and adapted in the following centuries, becoming the sumptuous residence of noble families such as the Sangineto and the Ruffo .
• Strategy and Panorama: Its strategic function was crucial for territorial control. Today, despite hosting modern services, it retains its mighty walls and offers breathtaking views , framing the historic center below.

3. The San Francesco Complex and the Cultural Center

Adjacent to the Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione is the ancient monastic complex that once housed the Dominican friars.

• Institutional and Historical Headquarters: The former Convent, a notable example of monastic architecture, is now the seat of the Altomonte Town Hall , making it one of the most fascinating municipal buildings in Italy.
• Civic Museum: The complex also houses the Civic Museum , home to a rich art collection that includes a work attributed to Simone Martini ( Saint Ladislaus of Hungary ) and precious panels from the Giotto school. This museum is a fundamental step for understanding Altomonte's role as a driving force of medieval art in the South.

The monumental picture is completed by the Torre dei Pallotta (dating back to the 11th century), an ancient defensive structure, and the various smaller churches that dot the historic centre, such as the Church of San Francesco di Paola , enriching the walk in an urban fabric of rare historical homogeneity and charm.

Altomonte: 5 Curiosities of the Village That Defied Time

Altomonte , perched in the hills of Cosenza, is more than just a medieval village; it's a time capsule, preserving unique stories and milestones. From its ancient origins to its role as the artistic capital of the Late Middle Ages, here are some interesting facts that reveal the soul of this "stone sentinel."

1. The Nomen Omen: It Hasn't Always Been Called Altomonte

The name we admire today is relatively recent and was an act of celebration.

• From “Brakhalla” to “Altomonte”: Originally, in the Norman period (11th century), the village was known as Brakhalla (or Brahalla ), a name of probable Arabic origin which perhaps meant “blessing of God”.
• The Dip in the Tiber: It was only in 1345 that the name changed to Altomonte , at the behest of Queen Giovanna I. This change honored the feudal family of the time, the Sanginetos , whose main castle was located on the Altoflumine (Alto-fiume) mountain, in Basilicata. The current name literally celebrates its elevated position.

2. Capital of Angevin Art in Calabria

Altomonte was not only a strategic center, but a true cultural workshop in the 14th century, thanks to the enlightened patronage of the Sangineto family.

• A Gothic Hub: The Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione is considered the finest example of Angevin Gothic in Calabria . This architectural excellence demonstrates the village's connection to the great artistic movements of the Kingdom of Naples.
• Treasures from the Masters: The artistic wealth is confirmed by the works kept in the Civic Museum , among which the panel of Saint Ladislaus of Hungary , attributed to Simone Martini , one of the undisputed masters of the Sienese school.

3. The Rebel Philosopher and the Convent

The Dominican Convent (now the Town Hall) hosted a crucial and controversial figure of Italian thought.

• Campanella's Stop: Towards the end of the 16th century, the famous philosopher Tommaso Campanella stayed at the Dominican monastery of Altomonte. It was here, in this quiet village, that the philosopher from Stilo developed and wrote some of his first works, laying the foundations of his thought that would lead to the Reformation in Calabria and serious trials.

4. A Triple Recognition of Quality

Altomonte stands out not only for its history and art, but also for its quality of life and its products.

• Slow and Bread Village: The town has been included in the prestigious circuit of "The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" and is also proud to hold the titles of "Slow City" (for its pace of life) and "City of Bread" (for the excellence of its traditional bread-making). This triple certification makes it a symbol of excellence in every respect.

5. The “Valle Senese” in Calabria

Strolling through the alleys and observing the surrounding landscape, Altomonte evokes an unexpected atmosphere.

• Tuscan Landscape: Due to its hilltop configuration, with the village perched atop and surrounded by gently sloping olive groves and vineyards, Altomonte is often described as a "little piece of Sienese countryside nestled in the middle of the Mediterranean." This makes the view from the castle one of the most striking and unusual in Calabria.

Voices from Altomonte: The Illustrious Sons of an Artistic Village

Altomonte, with its rich history and Angevin artistic legacy, has been a cradle of talents and figures who have left their mark far beyond Calabria's borders. Although its fame is linked more to its great patrons than its illustrious natives, the village has given birth to figures who have honored culture, art, and spirituality.

Here is a tribute to the people who helped shape Altomonte's history and identity.

1. Altomonte: The Cradle of Noble Families and Patrons

More than individual figures, Altomonte's historical significance is linked to the great families who resided there, transforming it into a center of power and culture.

• Filippo di Sangineto (14th century): Although not a native, he is the figure most closely linked to the monumental splendor of Altomonte. It was he, Lord of Brahalla (the ancient name of Altomonte) at the behest of Robert of Anjou, who promoted the construction of the magnificent Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione , one of the masterpieces of Angevin Gothic in Calabria. His artistic patronage is the reason why Altomonte is today a reference point for medieval art.
• The Ruffo and Sanseverino families: These powerful feudal families, who succeeded one another in the dominion of the Castle , shaped the social and urban structure of the village, keeping Altomonte a centre of influence for centuries.

2. Altomonte: The Humanist and the Artist of the 20th Century

Focusing on personalities born or of Altomonte origin who have had an impact in recent history:

Antonio Altomonte (Writer and Journalist)

One of the most important cultural figures of the 20th century with roots in the village is the journalist and writer Antonio Altomonte .

• A Master of Fiction and Journalism: Although he worked primarily in Rome and Florence, Altomonte was a prolific author, known for his stylistic elegance and his ability to analyze contemporary society. His literary work, ranging from historical fiction to introspective novels, earned him significant recognition and contributed to the dissemination of an intellectual image of Calabria.

Federico Altomonte (Painter)

The village has also expressed talents in the visual arts, as in the case of this artist active during the avant-garde period.

• Futurist Expression: A 20th-century painter, Principio Federico Altomonte is a figure who distinguished himself in the artistic scene, partly embracing the currents of Futurism and Expressionist art, while maintaining a subtle but tangible connection with his homeland.

Altomonte presents itself, therefore, as a place whose richness lies not only in the figures of its natives, but in its ability to attract, host, and inspire crucial figures in history, from the philosopher Tommaso Campanella to the masters of medieval art, transforming the village itself into its greatest monument.

Altomonte at the Table: Ancient Flavors of the Angevin Village

Altomonte cuisine is the perfect blend of mountain riches and rural wisdom, a culinary expression nourished by the intense flavors of the Cosenza hinterland, at the gateway to the Pollino National Park. Here, the slow pace of life is reflected in dishes that celebrate the simplicity of local ingredients and the most authentic traditions.

First Courses: Homemade Pasta and Flavors of the Land

In Altomonte, as in much of Calabria, the meal begins with fresh pasta, rigorously handmade, paired with rich, hearty sauces.

1. Lagane and Chickpeas

A dish of humble origins but rich in flavor, embodying the peasant tradition of the Esaro Valley.

• Lagane: Similar to short, wide tagliatelle, lagane are made with a simple dough of water and flour (often durum wheat flour or a mix of local flours).
• The Dressing: They are immersed in a thick and enveloping sauce made with local chickpeas whole and sometimes in cream form ), flavoured with garlic, a generous drizzle of local extra virgin olive oil hot chilli pepper ( diavulillo ), which lights up the dish with the typical Calabrian heat.

2. Macaroni with Pork Ragù

Fresh pasta in the shape of a ferretto or fusilli is the basis for sauces on special occasions.

• The Format: The macaroni (or fileja in some nearby areas) are drawn using iron, a format that captures the sauce beautifully.
• The Ragù: The sauce is a pork ragù , made with shoulder meat or spare ribs, which simmers for hours with tomatoes and herbs, creating a deep, flavorful sauce—the true heart of Sunday cooking.

The Delights of Altomonte: Specialties Not to Miss

Altomonte's fame as the "City of Bread" and the richness of its typical products are reflected in two pillars of its gastronomy.

3. Altomonte Bread and EVO Oil

Local bread is a true institution, thanks to the wisdom of the bakers and the use of ancient grains.

• The Bread: Characterized by a dark, crunchy crust and a white, honeycomb crumb , Altomonte bread has an intense aroma and a long shelf life.
• The Winning Pairing: Enjoy it by dipping it in extra virgin olive oil , produced on the fertile hills surrounding the village, to savor the very essence of the land. The art here is simplicity.

4. The Pignolata

Although widespread throughout Calabria, pignolata is a traditional dessert that is celebrated on many occasions in Altomonte.

• Preparation: Small fried dough dumplings, similar to miniature pine cones, are assembled and covered with a honey glaze ( honeydew ) or, in the more modern variant, with chocolate and lemon glaze.
• Festive Dessert: It's the ideal ending to a traditional lunch, a tribute to the sweetness of the land and the town's pastry-making expertise.

Altomonte's dishes are an invitation to rediscover the strong, clean, and honest flavors of inland Calabria. Each recipe is a tale of tradition, resilience, and love for the land , to be enjoyed with the calm that only a Borgo Slow can offer.