Cosenza, known as the City of the Bruzi, is one of the most ancient cities of Calabria and is situated on seven hills in the valley of Crati, where it meets the Busento River. Due to its cultural past, it was known as the Athens of Italy; today, it houses the largest university campus in the nation.
The old city is characterized by steep and narrow alleyways and, during recent years is experiencing a renewed vibrancy. The historic center is one of the most beautiful and ancient of Italy, for its monumental buildings, manor houses, urban plan, and labyrinth of streets around the old buildings and churches.
The city's cultural activities are well-developed, thanks in part to theatrical events held in locations like the traditional Teatro A. Rendano, the historical Cinemateatro Italia and the Teatro Stabile d?Innovazione of Calabria. The Accademia Cosentina, as well, promotes culture, artists and scientists.
The Brettii Museum - officially opened in the 15th-Century monumental complex of Sant'Agostino in 2009 - represents the city's cultural heart. Included in Cosenza's cultural endowments are the Museum of the Rimembranze and the Bilotti Open-Air Museum.
Then Rocca Imperiale overlooks the Ionian Sea and borders with Basilicata. The inhabited area is dominated by a Fortress, built by Frederick II.
Rende is an ancient Roman settlement between the streams of Emoli and Surdo, subsequently developed in the Crati Valley; here the Normans constructed the castle and surrounding walls. Corigliano Calabro dates to Medieval times, and is dominated by an imposing castle. The ancient district of Ognissanti developed as a stairway upon a hill, characterized by its narrow and evocative streets.
In Rossano, the Giorgio Amarelli Museum of Liquorice and the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art deserve a visit, while in Praia a Mare the Museo Comunale displays works by contemporary artists. Mormanno, on the other hand, still bears traces of its Lombard foundations, perched as a castle on a rocky buttress.