Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
leys are a study in urban decay. At the top, the 12th-century
cathedral
(Piazza del Duomo;
8am-noon & 3-7.30pm)
was rebuilt in restrained baroque style in the 18th century. In a chapel
off the north aisle is a copy of an exquisite 13th-century Byzantine Madonna.
From the cathedral, you can walk up Via del Seggio through a little medieval quarter
before turning right to reach the 13th-century
Convento di San Francesco d'Assisi
(off Via del Seggio)
.
Otherwise head along the
corso
to Piazza XV Marzo, an appealing square fronted by the
Palazzo del Governo and the handsome neoclassical
Teatro Rendano
(Piazza XV Marzo)
.
From Piazza XV Marzo, follow Via Paradiso, then Via Antonio Siniscalchi for the route
to the down-at-heel Norman
castle
(Piazza Frederico II)
, left in disarray by several earthquakes.
It's closed for restoration, but the view merits the steep ascent.
Sleeping
B&B Via dell'Astrologo
( 338 9205394;
www.viadellastrologo.com
; Via Rutilio Benincasa 16; s €35-40, d €55-80, extra bed €20; )
A
gem in the historic centre, this small B&B is tastefully decorated with polished wooden
floors, white bedspreads, and good-quality artwork. Brothers Mario and Marco are a mine
of information on Cosenza and Calabria in general.
B&B
$
Ostello Re Alarico
( 0984 79 25 70;
www.ostellorealarico.com
; Vico II Giuseppe Marini Serra 10; dm/s/d €16/30/50; )
On the
opposite side of the river from the
duomo
, this restored palazzo housing doubles and
dorms is something of a challenge to find. But the decor is an appealing combination of
old (check out the ancient oven) and new. There's a pretty garden, and the young owner is
a great enthusiast for the region.
HOSTEL
$
HOTEL
$$
Royal Hotel
( 0984 41 21 65;
www.hotelroyalsas.it
;
Via Molinella 24; s/d/t €55/65/75; )
One of the few de-
cent options in town, the Royal is a short stroll from Corso Mazzini. Rooms are imperson-
al but comfortable. Stay in the new section of the hotel.
Eating
Gran Caffè Renzelli
CAFE
$
