Visiting Castrovillari
A small town in the Calabria region, Castrovillari is a worthwhile detour during any trip to Italy. The town offers a significant cultural heritage, distinct architecture, and great vantage points. For nature, the surrounding area is packed with excellent trails.
Monuments to visit
The first thing that grabs your attention in Castrovillari is the proud Aragonese castle rising in the town center. Built in 1490, the building's square fortifications dominate the town and define its character. Just past the moat, once crossed by a drawbridge, the entrance reveals a high relief sculpted by the House of Aragon. If you are interested in history, you can visit the municipal museum of Castrovillari, which is dedicated to archaeological finds in the region ranging from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages. The town also has several religious buildings worth your time. The church of San Giuliano, dating back to 1090, was rebuilt in 1789 after a fire. Its 16th-century portal and its Christ on the cross are points of interest for art lovers. The Franciscan monastery, founded in 1220 by a disciple of Saint Francis of Assisi, is also worth a look for its prized marble portal.
Nature to explore
Castrovillari is situated at the gateway to the Pollino National Park, making it an ideal base for hikers and fans of open spaces. It is the largest national park in Italy. Across its 772 square miles (2,000 square kilometers), you can admire a succession of landscapes, including mountains, gorges, ravines, and forests. The Bosnian pine is the symbol of the area, as this is one of the last places where the tree grows naturally. Mountain biking, rafting, canoeing, hiking, or horseback riding are all ways to discover the park at your own pace. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot birds of prey, deer, wildcats, or even wolves.
Local flavors
Don't miss the local traditions and craftsmanship. Venture into the small streets of Castrovillari to meet woodworkers, blacksmiths, and cobblers. The local gastronomy also has plenty to offer. Most dishes are finished with a flavorful, highly aromatic locally produced olive oil. Frìttuli and Curcùci (a dish made from fried pork), Lagane e Cicciari (pasta with chickpeas), and sopressata (a lean cured sausage) are all delicious culinary specialties. As for cheeses, the scamorza and pecorino will satisfy your palate. Many desserts have Albanian roots, such as kanarikuj, which are dough balls soaked in honey, or kasolle megijze, a roll filled with ricotta.
When to go
The best time to visit Castrovillari is during the warm season, allowing you to take full advantage of nature walks and the town's laid-back pace of life. The town gets fairly busy in the middle of summer, so choose spring or autumn if you want more peace and quiet.
How to get there
Getting around Castrovillari is difficult if you do not have a car. However, a bus station in the town center provides access via bus. International travelers should fly into Naples, then rent a car for the drive to Castrovillari (a 2.5-hour drive via the E45).
