Altomonte is a village that instantly charms with its stairways and alleys and the stunning Church della Consolazione, the best example of Gothic-Angevin art in Calabria. The village castle, of Norman origin (XII century), has been expanded and restored by its various owners throughout the centuries, but has maintained its original structure and charm, and today houses a hotel. Wild cardoons in olive oil are a local specialty: they can be bought in one of the many small deli stores around town. Homemade pasta and meat dishes are also part of the local tradition, as are honey based desserts, inherited during the Arab domination of the area.


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