Discover Crosia: the Mirto coast and cultural heritage

A trip around Crosia has two distinct highlights: the coast of Mirto, and its historic buildings and churches. Mirto is a coastal town in the Alto Ionio Cosentino area. Its coastline has a wide beach of bright sand, with pebbles and rocks in some places. The buildings offer a different perspective on the area: here you will encounter the history of fortifications and masserie, church art and religious tradition.

The Mirto Coast

The description of the beach encompasses more than one continuous stretch of sand. In addition to bright sand, the coastline also features pebbles and rocks in some places. If you are planning your stay around your interest in the beach, this distinction is a practical point to bear in mind: the coast is wide, but its surface is not the same everywhere. The beach and historic sites therefore offer different focal points for planning your trip.

Historic Buildings and Their Functions

Castello Feudale di Mirto stands on the hill in the Mirto district and is described as a masseria. Baron Giovan Michele Mandatoriccio had it built in the early 17th century on the site of an existing Norman structure. Its history also includes its role as the center of the extensive fiefdom of Crosia. Several historical layers can therefore be distinguished in this one building: its Norman predecessor, its construction in the early 17th century and its importance within the fiefdom.

Torre di S. Tecla in Contrada Fiumarella offers a different historical and functional perspective. The tower dates from the 16th century and is part of Crosia’s defensive tower system. Il Càsino della Vota, in turn, was an old, self-sufficient masseria belonging to the noble families of Crosia and served as a winter residence. The fortress, defensive tower and winter residence thus represent different historical roles, which you can distinguish as you explore the area’s architectural history.

Churches, Art and Religious History

The Santuario della Madonna della Pietà di Crosia is Romanesque in style and has three elaborately crafted plaster altars in the style of the 16th century. It is located on the edge of town, beside the provincial road connecting SS 531 with Crosia. Its history is closely linked to the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin. On 23 May 1987, the situation changed for the old chapel, which had not yet been consecrated at the time. The architecture, altars and religious tradition offer different ways to appreciate this same sanctuary.

The Parrocchia “Divino Cuore di Gesù” is located in Mirto. Monsignor Giovanni Rizzo, Archbishop of Rossano, blessed the church on 10 April 1960, Palm Sunday. Valuable mosaics and figurative stained-glass windows were added during a later, comprehensive renovation. The entrance is accessible. For trip planning, this site offers both a historic point of interest and artistic details that differ from the Romanesque design and plaster altars of the Santuario.

“A Remurata” as a Historic Event

“A Remurata” is also part of Crosia’s event history. A 2019 report described it as a traditional event in the historic center and noted that it was being held for the thirteenth time that year. A 2013 article described a guided walk through the alleys of Crosia.

These topics offer clearly distinct points of interest and help you choose the destination according to your own interests.

Discover more destinations: Montegiordano, Torricella, Nocera Terinese, Terranova Da Sibari, Intavolata, La Bruca, Acquappesa Cs, Santa Sofia D'epiro

For the broader travel overview: Cosenza.