Plataci: Arbëreshë Traditions and the Pollino Landscape

Plataci lies 930 metres above sea level at the foot of a spur of the eastern Pollino range and is part of Pollino National Park. The municipality combines a green mountain landscape with an Arbëreshë culture that lives on in its language and traditions. The townscape is also distinctive: the settlement resembles an amphitheatre overlooking the coast. Nature, history and cultural heritage give a stay here several different focal points.

Landscape in the Pollino

Plataci is set in lush green countryside and surrounded by dense woodland, including downy oaks, Turkey oaks, maples and evergreen trees. Above the town, the Bosco della Montagnola forms a wooded belt. Clear streams line Plataci. Together with the altitude and the view of the coast, these landscape features shape the character of the town.

There are also destinations with their own distinctive appeal nearby. Monte Barone has an equipped picnic area; check its current condition before your visit. Lago Forano lies on the high-altitude slope of Monte Sparviere and is a place of particular natural interest. The Torretta forestale is a nearby viewpoint. Those interested in scenic routes can also explore the Sentieri naturalistici, which pass several viewing points.

Arbëreshë Culture and Architectural History

The settlement has late medieval origins and was founded in the second half of the 15th century by a group of Albanian refugees. Plataci preserves the Arbëreshë mother tongue and inherited traditions; the Greek-Byzantine rite is also practised here. This cultural heritage is as much a part of the townscape as its historic churches.

The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista has a basilica-style layout with three naves and a semi-octagonal apse. The Chiesa di San Rocco was built at the end of the 19th century. The Cappella della Madonna del Monte dates from 1954. The Sistema Gramisci clock, still visible today, offers another glimpse of local craftsmanship. The Concorso Murales initiative was launched in 2007 to create murals on the façades of houses in the historic centre.

Routes, Chapel and Viewpoints

The celebration of Madonna del Monte includes a pilgrimage on foot along wooded paths to Monte Barone, where the Cappella della Madonna del Monte stands. The festival is associated with 21 August and includes processions in the morning and afternoon. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the festival dates for the relevant year. Plataciland, an adventure park right next to the town centre, offers a different kind of leisure activity.

Shtridhla and Local Events

Shtridhla is hand-pulled pasta. The firm dough is made with flour, water and salt; the pasta is formed by gradually stretching it thinner. The traditional Sagra della Shtridhla was part of the 2026 summer programme. Gjitonia was also included in the programme, for its sixth edition.

An earlier edition of Gjitonia took place on 17 and 18 August 2024 as a two-day cultural event. Music, dancing and cultural gatherings highlighted the values of the Arbëreshë community and neighbourhood. Details may vary from one edition to another.

Find Hotels in Plataci

When looking for a hotel in Plataci, you can start by considering what you want your trip to focus on: the churches and history of the settlement, Arbëreshë traditions, the wooded landscape or nearby destinations. This can help you tailor your search to your travel plans. Then compare the specific accommodation details with the activities you have in mind for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Bisignano, Acquappesa Cs, Brunetta, Marcellina, Spezzano Della Sila, Marina Di Amendolara, San Nicola Arcella, Belmonte Calabro

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