Civita, a jewel of Arbëreshe culture in Calabria
In the Cosenza hinterland, embraced by the majestic mountains of the Pollino National Park, lies a small urban center that represents one of the most precious testimonies of Italo-Albanian heritage. This ancient settlement, recognized among the most suggestive towns in Calabria, jealously guards centuries of Balkan history and culture transplanted into the heart of Calabria.
The historic residential core presents a surprising and unique architectural characteristic: the houses take on human appearances through a clever interplay of openings, chimneys, and structures reminiscent of facial features. These buildings, nicknamed in honor of the Albanian artistic master Ibrahim Kodra, transform every corner of the village into an open-air gallery.
Population
789
Area
27.62 km²
Residents
Civitesi
Patron Saint
St. Blaise
A journey into the Pollino National Park
The municipal territory boasts a rich ecclesiastical heritage that reflects the cultural stratification of the place. The main church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary represents a magnificent example of stylistic fusion between local Baroque elements and Eastern Greek-Byzantine traditions.
Alongside it, the sixteenth-century Chapel dedicated to the Madonna della Consolazione and the small sanctuary of Sant’Antonio complete the devotional landscape of the center.
Crossing the waters of the Raganello stream, an ancient stone construction evokes folk narratives passed down through the centuries. This engineering feat not only connects the two banks of the watercourse but also represents an identity symbol charged with mythological suggestions. The river valley constitutes the heart of a protected nature reserve that offers spectacular rock formations and canyons where visitors can enjoy aquatic recreational activities and hiking trails for mountain adventure lovers.
Not to be missed:
- Devil’s Bridge
- Historic center and cultural heritage
- Church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary
- Millennial History.
- Mountain trails
- Pollino National Park
Gallery:
Airports
Crotone (195 km)
Lamezia Terme (135 km)
Bari (205 km)
Naples (254 km)
Stations
Sibari (23 km)
Paola (95 km)
Salerno (199 km)
By Car
A2 del Mediterraneo, Frascineto/Castrovillari exit, then S.P. 263
- All
- City
- Events and culture
- Food & Wine
- Itineraries
- Practical Tips
- Senza categoria
- Villages and traditions

A journey through flavors and traditions: the food and wine twinning in Civita. On July 10, 2026, the picturesque setting...