Discovering San Giovanni in Fiore

San Giovanni in Fiore is located in the heart of the Sila National Park, and is one of the most beautiful villages in Calabria, has about 18,000 inhabitants and is located at over 1000 meters above sea level. The village has very ancient origins, and is linked to the figure of the exegete monk Joachim of Fiore; the whole city develops right around the monastery. The monastery is one of the most beautiful buildings in the Cosenza area and is a splendid example of Gothic architecture. The structure stands out over the inhabited center with its beautiful portal which is surmounted by a large rose window. The facade is the most decorated part, made entirely of stone, while inside we do not find particular decorations or paintings, this in line with the simplicity recalled by the monastic philosophy of thought, whose central focus is represented by silence and meditation. The international center for Gioachimite studies was established inside the abbey in 1982; on the first floor of the building it is possible to visit the demological museum of the economy of work and the social history of Sila. Other noteworthy buildings include the Convent of the Capuchin Friars and the central church dedicated to the Madonna delle Grazie. The natural territory boasts the presence of one of the pearls of the sila national park, Lake Arvo. From the cultural point of view, the local tradition sees the presence of the art of weaving. Those who visit this splendid village also find delights for the palate, such as the traditional entangled pitta, a typical dessert of the place.