WHAT TO SEE IN MORANO CALABRO
Orange flag of the Italian Touring Club
One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy
TOP 6 THINGS TO SEE IN MORANO CALABRO
This artwork, unique in its kind in Calabria, depicts the Madonna and Child, the Dead Christ, Franciscan saints, and other sacred figures. The polyptych showcases Vivarini’s mastery and his artistic influence in the region. Characterized by a captivating golden glow, the piece has unfortunately been the target of several theft attempts.
Il Nibbio is a non-profit organization located in the heart of the Pollino National Park, in the village of Morano Calabro. Its primary mission is to combat the decline and depopulation of the historic center by promoting a model of social and cultural development that combines the restoration of abandoned historic homes with the enhancement of local heritage and traditional crafts. The organization fosters a culture of hospitality and raises awareness about living in harmony with the natural environment.
The structure of the Morano Calabro Castle consists of a series of courtyards, towers, walls, and other fortifications that bear witness to its strategic role throughout the region’s history. Its massive stone walls enclose the entire complex, and walking along them offers breathtaking views of the valley below and the surrounding hills. Inside the castle, visitors can still admire remnants of frescoes and architectural elements from past eras, reflecting the site's rich historical layers. Several rooms and chambers remain, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the castle’s former inhabitants over the centuries. All’interno del castello, si possono ancora ammirare alcuni resti di affreschi e architetture di epoche passate, che testimoniano la ricca storia del luogo. Vi sono anche sale e stanze che raccontano la vita quotidiana dei residenti del castello nel corso dei secoli.
Inside the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, visitors can admire significant marble statues by Pietro Bernini, a Baroque sculptor of Tuscan origin who was active in Naples between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The church preserves two pairs of sculptures:
Saint Catherine of Alexandria and Saint Lucy (1592): originally from the Augustinian church of Colloreto, these statues reflect Bernini’s early artistic phase, marked by expressive exuberance aimed at achieving pictorial and luminous effects.
• Santa Caterina d’Alessandria e Santa Lucia (1592): provenienti dalla chiesa degli agostiniani di Colloreto, rappresentano la prima fase artistica del Bernini, caratterizzata da un’esuberanza volta a ottenere effetti pittorici e luministici.
• Saint Peter and Saint Paul (1601): patrons of the church, these sculptures represent Bernini’s more mature phase, distinguished by a classical and solemn style.
Morano Calabro, an enchanting medieval village in Calabria, presents itself as a labyrinth of history and beauty. Characterized by noble palaces, numerous churches rich in works of art (including the prominent Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maddalena), and dominated by the majestic Norman-Swabian Castle with a panoramic view of the Pollino Park, it offers a sacred and evocative atmosphere. Its picturesque alleys, with stone houses and flowered balconies, create a timeless harmony that captivates visitors.
The Lavender Park of Campotenese, a charming hamlet of Morano Calabro, is an enchanting botanical garden nestled among stretches of native lavender, known as "Loricanda." Created in 2007, it is located at an altitude of 1,100 meters in the heart of the Pollino National Park. Between late June and late August, the blooming transforms the landscape into a sea of purple, offering an extraordinary panorama. The park hosts over 60 varieties of lavender and offers guided tours to deepen the understanding of these plants and their properties. There is also a shop where visitors can purchase handcrafted products made from lavender, including essential oils, soaps, and candles. It is the perfect place for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking an authentic sensory experience in the heart of Calabria.
