Mottafollone

The History and Atmosphere of Mottafollone

Mottafollone is a municipality in the province of Cosenza, in the Calabria region of Italy. Its name likely derives from the ancient Greek "Motta," meaning "fortress" or "castle," and "Follone," which may refer to the presence of a spring or watercourse in the area. The history of Mottafollone is intertwined with that of Calabria, with evidence of human settlements dating back to prehistoric times and the classical era.

During the Middle Ages, Mottafollone was an important feudal center, with castles and fortresses dominating the territory. The town experienced several invasions and conquests over the centuries, including those by the Normans and the Aragonese. Today, Mottafollone is a municipality with a population of around 800 inhabitants, who live in a rich and varied natural environment, with hills, valleys, and coastlines offering breathtaking views of Calabria.

What to See in Mottafollone

Mottafollone is a town rich in history and culture, with many places to visit and discover. Here are some of the main attractions:

• Norman-Swabian Castle: an imposing medieval castle that overlooks the historic center of Mottafollone. Built by the Normans in the 12th century, the castle was restored in the 20th century and now hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
• Mother Church of San Nicola: a beautiful 17th-century Baroque church, with an interior decorated with frescoes and a bell tower that dominates the town.
• Archaeological Museum: a museum housing archaeological finds from Calabria, including ceramics, coins, and sculptures.

Where to Eat in Mottafollone

Mottafollone offers a typical Calabrian cuisine based on fresh, local products such as fish, vegetables, fruit, and cheeses. Here are some local specialties you can taste in the town’s restaurants:

• Calabrian-style fish: a dish made with fresh fish, seasoned with olive oil, garlic, chili pepper, and lemon.
• Jewish-style artichokes: a dish of fried artichokes, seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and chili pepper.
• Capicola: a cured pork salami, aged and seasoned with pepper and olive oil.

Where to Stay in Mottafollone

Mottafollone offers various accommodation options, from tourist facilities to B&Bs and farm stays. Here are some of the best options:

• Hotel La Fontana: a 3-star hotel with comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving traditional Calabrian cuisine.
• B&B La Casa dei Sogni: a B&B with cozy rooms and a garden offering views of the valley.
• Agriturismo La Collina: a farm stay with rooms and apartments, offering the chance to visit the farm and taste local products.

Events, Festivals, and Food Fairs in Mottafollone

Mottafollone is a town that celebrates its festivals and food fairs with great enthusiasm throughout the year. Here are some of the main events:

• Feast of San Nicola: a festival held on December 6th, featuring processions, concerts, and fireworks.
• Fish Festival: a food fair held in August, with tastings of fresh fish and local products.
• Feast of the Madonna della Consolazione: a festival held on August 15th, with processions and concerts.

Photographs and Postcards from Mottafollone

Mottafollone offers breathtaking views of Calabria, with hills, valleys, and coastlines providing unique scenery. Here are some of the best photo opportunities:

• The view over the valley: a panoramic view of the valley below.
• The Norman-Swabian Castle: an image of the castle overlooking the historic center of Mottafollone.
• Mottafollone Beach: a beach offering views of the Calabrian coastline.

Nearby Attractions

Mottafollone is strategically located near other stunning destinations in Calabria. Here are some nearby places to visit:

The city of Cosenza, the capital of Calabria, is just 30 km from Mottafollone and offers a unique view of the Busento River valley. The city of Paola, known for its cathedral and museum, is 40 km away and offers views of the Calabrian coast. The city of Sibari, famous for its history and culture, is 50 km from Mottafollone and offers views of the Crati River valley.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)