The name “Borghi più belli d’Italia” (the “Most Beautiful Villages of Italy”) is a quality label awarded by the association of the same name since 2001. Its mission is to help small Italian towns and villages preserve their great and unique heritage of tradition, culture, history and art. Today, 258 towns in Italy already bear this distinction.

In Calabria, 19 of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” can be found! These are the villages Aieta, Altomonte, Chianalea, Fiumefreddo Bruzio, Morano Calabro, Oriolo, Santa Severina and Stilo, as well as the Grecan villages Gerace and Bova and the Albanian village Civita. 

Altomonte and Stilo

The name “High Mountain”, which means Altomonte, aptly describes the location of the village above the Esaro valley. Known to the Romans as Balbia, it was given its present name only in the 14th century, and the well-preserved old town is dominated by the magnificent 14th century church of Santa Maria della Consolazione with its Gothic ogival portal. In Piazza Castello is the 12th century castle that has been used as a residence since the 16th century. Today there is a hotel inside.

The picturesque Stilo is world-famous for the Cattolica, whose ruins are enthroned high up on the top of Mount Consolino. The castle was built in 1071 by Roger the Norman, who adapted it to the vegetation of the mountain like a chameleon. The closer you get to the church, the more fascinating the sight of the jewel. The origins of Stilo and his name have not yet been clarified. The village owes its nickname “Città del sole” (City of the Sun) to his most famous son Tommaso Campanella, who lived in the monastery of San Domenico. The philosopher wrote the book in 1602 as the utopian scenario of a just world.