Mormanno, the gate to Calabria.

Mormanno is a small village which borders to the Calabrian side of Pollino National Park.

Panorama of Mormanno

Called for this reason “The Gate to Calabria“, this Medieval village dates back the Lombardic era. You can note this characteristics walking in its well keeped historic centre with its alleys and small stairways, its arches and old gates of the several noble palaces built by the local stone.

Alleys in Mormanno

Among the alleys you are surrounded by quite and silence, except when you arrive in the main square, the place where people gather all together, meeting each other and chatting during their slow local living.

The main square in Mormanno

As often happens in Calabria village, you stop to talk with people who live there thanks their warming welcoming sense.

Welcoming local people in Mormanno

In this square there is the Cathedral of Mormanno dedicated to Santa Maria del Colle, a baroque church with three naves whose tuff facade dominates over there. Inside are the underground crypts that house ancient burials and a small exhibition of nativity scenes made by local artists.

The Cathedral of Mormanno

The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli is also interesting, with many iportant furnishings such as the ciborium which is carved and inlaid with different woods and mother of pearl, a painted and gilded wooden altar and a wooden hanging pulpit. Next to it is the former Capuchin Convent turned into a B&B and a restaurant where typical dishes linked to the excellence of the territory are prepared.

Santa Maria degli Angeli Church

Outside the centre of the village, not far away, you can visit the Votive Lighthouse, a symbol of Mormanno. It is located in a panoramic position on Mount San Michele from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the village and admire the surrounded nature in which it’s immersed. The lighthouse was built in 1928 in memory of the Calabrian fallen during the Great War and in 1938 the Ministry of Aeronautics declared it as a reference point for air navigation.

The Votive Lighthouse

You cannot visit Mormanno without tasting its main symbol for the food and wine, the famous Bocconotto or Bucchinotto in local dialect. Stuffed with jam or with almond paste, cream or chocolate, it’s the happy ending of the day tour, a small village less beaten and known, but certainly very interesting.

Bucchinotto of Mormanno

It’s Calabria to discover!

Brunella Brusco

Visit

Watch the video: