Overview
Would you like to get to know the secrets and beauty of the Greek-Byzantine rite and of the Arbëreshë ethnolinguistic minority? Visit Lungro, in the province of Cosenza. Founded by Albanian refugees in the second half of the 15th century, it is now an important reference point for the entire Italian Albanian community, a true religious capital and the seat of the Eparchy of the Greek-Byzantine rite (arbëreshë). The town centre recalls the eastern tradition in the circular structure of the buildings, gathered around the two central squares and dislocated in the typical gjitonia (neighbourhoods), social units with their own rules. The bust of the Albanian patriot, Giorgio Castriota Scanderberg, is given pride of place in the centre of the main square. Lungro's soul lies in its ancient traditions and evocative religious festivities, from the rites of Arbëreshë Holy Week (Java e Madhe) and Easter (Pashkëvet), to the famous Carnival (Karnivalli), during which the town's streets come alive with traditional costumes, dancing, singing and parades. What to see in Lungro? The Cathedral of San Nicola di Mira and the Diocesan Museum, of course. Not to be missed is the Historical Museum of the Salt Mine, a testimony to one of the oldest and most important mines in Europe, used by Greek settlers from Sybaris and Thurij, the Romans and the Normans, who created a flourishing trade in rock salt transported by mule. One cannot leave Lungro without tasting the "Calabrian-Albanian" gastronomic specialities: honey-based sweets and shtridhëlat me fasule, handmade pasta served with tomato sauce and beans, a typical local dish.
