It is a land of contrasts in many respects with below zero temperatures in the mountains in winter and temperatures of over 40°C in the summer along coastal areas.
In Calabria, the delicate perfume of the acacias is present in spring, the heady smell of fermenting grapes in the autumn and the strong odour of freshly ground olives in winter.
The people of Calabria are hospitable, fun loving, generous, genuine, outgoing and honest.
Cosenza is situated in the valley of the river Crati at its confluence with the River Busento. Chief town of the province, it is about 50 kilometres from the town of Spezzano Albanese. It is one of the most important economic and cultural centres in Calabria.
The Bruzi, one of the native Italian peoples, probably founded it. It then came under the influence of Greek culture until 204 BC when it was occupied by Roman troops. It is said that the king of the Visigoths, Alarico, is buried with his treasure in the bed of the Busento river. The Longobards, Byzantines and Aragonese also ruled the city.
The old part of the town with its narrow streets and old buildings stands on the Pancrazio hills, where a Norman castle is located. Other noteworthy buildings include: the cathedral, recently restored to its original splendour, consecrated by the Emperor Frederick II of Swabia in 1222 and the beautiful Rendano Theatre.
The present day city is lively and busy, both economically and culturally. The past years have seen the growth of the small communities around the city, which constitute today’s suburbs.
The university, founded about 30 years ago, has also been a key factor in the general development of the city.
The town of Spezzano Albanese is in the province of Cosenza and has a population of about 10,000. It is situated on a hill, 300 metres above sea level, between two rivers, the river Crati and the river Esaro.
The town overlooks the fertile plain of Sibari and the Ionian Sea. To the north there are the Pollino mountains and to the south the Sila mountains.
The old part of the town is characterised by narrow streets and imposing buildings grouped around small squares. The new part is in constant expansion.
There are four churches, two senior schools, a middle school, a junior school and three infant schools, two run by the state and one by the nuns.
An open-air amphitheatre overlooking the plain of Sibari and the distant mountains is the perfect setting for various forms of entertainment.
A typical Italian open-air market, where it is possible to buy just about anything, is held every fortnight. Spezzano is also a spa and the waters are renowned for their medicinal properties.
The many archaeological sites are proof that the area has been inhabited since time immemorial. The Greeks, the Romans and the Normans have all left their mark.
The arrival of Albanians fleeing Turkish domination at the beginning of the fifthteenth century was especially important.
To this day, the descendants of these refugees speak an ancient form of Albanian and preserve the traditions and customs of their ancestors. The traditional dress worn by the women on feast days is beautiful.
Unemployment levels are high especially among young people. Many people work in the service industries or the building trade. Agriculture also provides employment for many.
The area is famous for citrus fruits, peaches, olives and wine.
Castrovillari is a lively town encircled by mountains about 22 kilometres from Spezzano. The town comprises a modern quarter and an old part that is much smaller.
In the old part of town there is a castle with a square base and round towers built in 1490. An old convent, which was recently renovated, houses a small but delightful theatre and is now a very active centre for cultural activities. The modern part of the town offers good shopping.
The Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts: The Ionian coast offers long, mostly sandy, beaches bordered with pine forests.
Towns such as Roseto, Capo Spulico, Trebisacce, Sibari, Corigliano, Rossano, Crotone, Monasterace and Brancaleone, to name but a few, are thriving holiday centres rich in history and folklore.
The Tyrrhenian coast is more irregular and dominated by steep tree-covered hills. The beaches are often small but set among spectacular rock formations. The water is crystal clear.
Here, the towns are lively holiday resorts during the summer months but are interesting historically and worth visiting at any time of the year. Praia a Mare, Diamante, Guardia Piemontese, Pizzo Calabro, Tropea, Scilla and Reggio Calabria are among the most important centres.
The Mountains: Although the sea seems ever present in Calabria it must not be forgotten that it is mainly a mountainous region.
Three mountain ranges are present: Pollino, Sila and Aspromonte. All three mountain ranges are unique with their own flora and fauna.
The Pollino Mountains in the north of the region are rugged and form a natural barrier, which separates Calabria from the rest of Italy.
The Serra Dolcedorme is the highest point, which rises to 2,267 metres. Parts are heavily wooded while others are vast wind-swept plateaus with little vegetation. These mountains are home to the Pino Loricato, a type of pine tree, found only in this area.
The Sila is a vast plateau, about 1,200 metres above sea level, which stretches for nearly 2,000 square kilometres along the central part of Calabria. The highest point is Botte Donato, which reaches 1,928 metres. The area boasts numerous lakes, wide-open spaces and dense coniferous forests.
Aspromonte forms the southernmost tip of the Italian peninsula bordered by the sea on three sides. This mighty mountainous complex, whose highest point at Montalto reaches 1,995 metres, is formed of wide terraces that slope down towards the sea.
The lowest slopes are rich in vineyards and fruit orchards. Moving upwards olives and chestnut trees appear while the higher regions are covered in vast dense forests of oak, pine, beech and fir trees.