#altomonte

Altomonte, Calabria, Italy

Photos by Foto Storiche di Altomonte

Altomonte, Calabria, Italy

Altomonte rises like a jewel above Calabria’s emerald hills, its sun-warmed stones glowing gold as the day fades. Time slows here—between fragrant orange blossoms and the gentle hum of history etched into every archway and narrow lane. It’s a hidden dream of Italy’s past, alive and radiant.

Photos by @lemiestrade

Altomonte, Calabria, Italy

The morning greeting between two elderly people from Altomonte who resist in their homes, while the historic center is depopulating.

Photo by Foto Storiche di Altomonte

Altomonte, Calabria, Italy

Photos by Foto storiche di Altomonte

Altomonte, Calabria, Italy

Altomonte is a charming medieval village sitting on a promontory 450 meters above sea level, at the foot of the National Park of Pollino.

The place corresponds to the old village of Balbia, name of Phoenician origin (that means Lord) mentioned by Roman author Pliny, the Elder, when celebrates the goodness of the Balbino wine.

Situated on the hill, the houses seem to be welded to the ground and the rocks, the hills with olive trees, fields and spots are a real timeless spectacle.

During the medieval period, Altomonte became a fortified center and played a significant role in the defense of the region. Over the centuries, the town developed into a typical Calabrian village, preserving its historical character and traditions.

The heart of Altomonte is its historical centre, characterized by narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, and ancient buildings.

The many streets and stairways cluster around the center of the village, where the Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione is located. A true Gothic-Angevin art treasure, with a rose window and a very elegant facade, while the bell tower is decorated with a mullioned window.

Adjoining the church is the Dominican Monastery that now houses the Civic Museum, where important works of art are preserved.

The village offers visitors a chance to savor traditional Calabrian cuisine, with a focus on local products such as olive oil, cured meats, and regional wines.

Follow us on Instagram, @calabria_mediterranea

Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione, in the medieval village of Altomonte, is the greatest example of Gothic-Angevin architecture in Calabria, Italy.

Photo by Calabria nell'Anima

Altomonte, Calabria, Italy

Photos by Foto storiche di Altomonte, In Calabria ti guido io, Dreamstime, Posti e Pasti