Cosenza, the ideal destination for summer 2025

Summer is just around the corner, and it's the right time to think about where you'd like to go for your next trip: if you haven't yet chosen your holiday destination, we'd like to recommend a much loved location that combines art, nature and entertainment. Let's talk about Cosenza, one of the most famous places in Calabria – a city that captivates locals and tourists alike, with its unique blend of ancient charm and modern spirit.

If you'd like some suggestions for your next trip, such as what to see in Cosenza, you're in the right place: we've put together a guide with the city's top attractions, a few unmissable places of interest in the surrounding area, and a modern hotel offering the perfect setting for a luxurious retreat. 

What to see in Cosenza: the top tourist attractions

Cosenza is a city that's rich in history, art and culture. Home to the University of Calabria, one of the most prestigious universities in Southern Italy, this vibrant city is a place where centuries-old traditions meet contemporary life. During the summer season, vibrant festivals, exciting events, and exhibitions come alive – just waiting for you to explore and enjoy! The city's extraordinary heritage includes a charming historic centre, open-air museums and buildings of great historical importance. 

Cosenza Cathedral

What is Cosenza famous for? Certainly for its cathedral, one of the city’s iconic landmarks. Dedicated to Saint Mary of the Assumption, this monumental church was built in 1222 on the ruins of the previous building, which was destroyed by an earthquake. A celebrated example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, over time it has been embellished with Neo-Gothic and Baroque ornaments. Inside, it houses two mausoleums: those of Heinrich VII of Germany and Isabella of Aragon. 

The National Gallery

The Galleria Nazionale di Cosenza offers a vast collection of paintings, ranging from the 16th century to the modern era, with a special focus on Southern Italian artists. Recently renovated, this space is located inside the historic Palazzo Arnone.

Corso Mazzini and the MAB Museum

Let's take a step into Corso Mazzini, in the heart of Cosenza: a tourist favourite, this pedestrian area is full of shops, boutiques, and restaurants where you can taste the best local specialties. As you stroll along Corso Mazzini, you'll discover the MAB Museum – an open-air gallery where sculptures and installations by Dalí, Rotella, Modigliani, and De Chirico turn the street into a work of art.

Villa Vecchia and Villa Rendano 

Tucked away in the oldest part of the city, Villa Vecchia hosts the city’s charming public garden. If you want to take a gentle stroll away from the summer heat, this green oasis is just the place for you. Within the park, you’ll find places to eat, tranquil ponds, sculptures, and fountains.

Villa Rendano is a palace that dates back to the late 19th century and was built at the behest of the ancient nobility of Cosenza. It then passed from one estate to another, until it was bought by a foundation that turned it into a multifunctional cultural centre. Events are often held here, especially in the summer months, when the Villa opens its splendid garden and becomes one of the city's central venues.

Villages near Cosenza: day trips

 A holiday in Cosenza can also be an opportunity to discover its surroundings. The Calabrian city is surrounded by several chaming villages that are perfect for discovering hidden corners and little treasures on day trips:

• Morano Calabro. Also known as the Pollino Nativity Scene, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and is located in the heart of the Pollino National Park.

• Fiumefreddo Bruzio. A classic terrace overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

• Altomonte: Located in the Esaro Valley, it is also known as the Città del pane or City of Bread.

• Civita. Immersed in the Raganello Gorges Nature Reserve, this village is famous for its Kodra Houses (or "talking houses"), anthropomorphic dwellings that recall the painting style of Ibrahim Kodra.

• Aieta. Village on the Riviera dei Fiori, set at 500 metres above sea level.

Where to stay in Cosenza: luxury hotel with spa

Now that you’ve discovered what makes the city and its surroundings so beautiful, it's time to choose a luxury hotel in Cosenza where you can enjoy a relaxing stay. We'd like to recommend UNA Hotels Tenuta Contessa Farm & Spa Cosenza: nestled in the heart of the Calabrian hills that give the Valle del Crati its unforgettable charm, this peaceful retreat is surrounded by stunning landscapes that stretch from the Pollino Massif to the Sila Plateau.

This 4-star hotel is set in a 19th-century farmhouse that combines the rich heritage of this part of Calabria with a modern touch that will make your stay comfortable and relaxing. In addition to 23 cosy suites furnished in a contemporary style, this hotel in Cosenza offers its guests a range of services that ensure an unforgettable experience:

• An exclusive 260-metre-square wellness centre, the Escape Bio & Wine Spa. A veritable oasis of elegance, where exquisite marble blends with the rural surroundings, offering everything you'll need to recharge body and mind. You can also enjoy special treatments using organic products.

• Built within beautiful stone walls and surrounded by natural beauty, the outdoor swimming pool is open throughout the summer.

• Inspired by a zero-kilometre food philosophy, the welcoming Lucia Madre Restaurant is dedicated to showcasing small local producers.

• Thanks to its large spaces and surrounding views, it is the ideal location for weddings and other ceremonies, and has the capacity to host up to 400 guests.

How to reach UNA Hotels Tenuta Contessa Farm & Spa Cosenza

UNA Hotels Tenuta Contessa Farm & Spa Cosenza is very convenient to reach by car, making it a perfect choice for your travels and holiday next summer. Take the Montalto Uffugo exit on the A2: from there, it’s only another 4 km to the hotel. 

Cosenza is one of Southern Italy's most captivating destinations, enchanting both tourists and locals alike. With its perfect blend of history and modernity, it offers a rich travel experience that caters to every taste. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a cultural holiday or a special event, the Calabrian capital and its surroundings are the ideal destination. Expect historical attractions, natural parks and a prestigious hotel with a spa, panoramic pool and restaurant. All you have to do is book your next trip to discover the Athens of Italy!