Discover Alessandria del Carretto

Alessandria del Carretto can be explored through several clearly distinct themes: the Orto Botanico “Difisella,” the forests of Monte Sparviere, local museums and traditions, and cycling and trekking routes. This makes it possible to tailor your stay to specific interests. Nature-related themes sit alongside carnival and architectural history; the routes, in turn, differ in mode of travel and length.

Natural environment and botanical garden

The Orto Botanico “Difisella” is located in the municipality of Alessandria del Carretto, within Zone 2 of Pollino National Park. Covering more than two hectares, it includes a mixed forest consisting predominantly of deciduous trees, as well as numerous tree, shrub and herb species that contribute to its high biodiversity. The paths wind in a spiral from an altitude of 1,020 to 1,082 metres and end at a platform with a wooden shelter. Both the diversity of plant forms and the clearly described route are therefore part of the garden’s character.

The Acereta on Monte Sparviere can also be considered in the specific context of a protected area: it lies within the Natura 2000 site, also known as the SIC “Monte Sparviere” (IT9310019). It is also included in the network of old-growth forests in the national parks of the southern Apennines, within Pollino National Park. The Acereta thus connects its location in the Monte Sparviere protected area with its place in a network of old-growth forests.

Museums, architectural history and traditions

The collection at the Museo Alessandrino delle Maschere focuses on objects associated with carnival rites from around the world, particularly Italy. The museum is housed in Palazzo Chidichimo, built in the 17th century and one of the oldest buildings in the town. Here, the collection and architectural history come together: the masks point to carnival traditions, while the palazzo itself is a historic building in Alessandria del Carretto.

The town’s carnival tradition includes the “Pohicinelle bielle” and the dark mask known as “l’Uerse.” It is made of black goat or sheep hide and adorned with chains and bells. The names and materials distinguish these masks within local customs and make them a cultural topic in their own right, alongside the museum’s collection from around the world.

Another event connected with local tradition is the Festa della Pita. It takes place on the last Sunday in April. One of its characteristic features is that men carry the plant on their shoulders or by hand; on average, it is about 18 metres long. Check the date in advance if you would like to include the Festa della Pita in your travel plans.

The Museo Naturalistico del Lupo has a different focus. It is housed in the former primary school building and uses dioramas to recreate the various habitats of the protected area. The dioramas also convey the story of the wolf and its relationship with humans. Seminars, conferences and events are also part of the museum’s programme. Thus, the Museo Naturalistico del Lupo focuses on habitats, wolves and people, while the mask museum explores carnival rites and their associated objects.

The Chiesa Sant'Alessandro Papa Martire is open to visitors during religious services. Access to this sacred site is therefore tied to the services.

Cycling and trekking routes

The routes also differ in mode of travel and length. The Cammino Basiliano includes an E-rated stage from Oriolo to Alessandria del Carretto, which is also open to mountain bikes. Trail 1 of the Cammino Mariano Pollino comprises a 134-kilometre road-cycling route and a 37.4-kilometre trekking route from Alessandria del Carretto to Civita. This gives you two different distances and modes of travel to choose from: road cycling or trekking, and 134 or 37.4 kilometres.

The Sparviere cycling route starts in the built-up area of Alessandria del Carretto, near the Ambrosia Hostel. It is about 18 kilometres long in total and continues through the Acereta to Località Tappaiolo. There you will find an artificial lake and a picnic area. The route is considered not particularly challenging; ridden in the opposite direction, it can be completed with a lower level of difficulty. Compared with the long routes of the Cammino Mariano Pollino, the approximately 18-kilometre distance offers a different point of reference, while the route description names specific places such as Acereta and Tappaiolo.

Discover more destinations: Altomonte, Guardia Piemontese, Tortora Marina, Cleto, Tessano, Trebisacce, San Giovanni In Fiore, Acquappesa Cs.

For the broader travel overview: Cosenza.