The village of Diamante: history, activities and relaxation

Located in the province of Cosenza, in Calabria, Diamante is a small town of just 4,989 inhabitants, known for its natural, architectural, and cultural treasures.

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The history of the village

According to several historiographical sources, the village—whose name is said to come from a tale in which a crow fished a diamond in the Corvino area—saw the development of its first settlement around 1500, when Prince Sanseverino ordered the construction of defensive walls to counter Saracen attacks. Over time, many populations of different origins settled near the area, giving life to the town and making it known for fishing and for the cultivation of citron, which remains today one of the main economic resources of the territory.

The natural, architectural and artistic treasures of the village

The municipality of Diamante is one of the richest places in Italy in terms of natural, architectural, and artistic heritage. Among its natural beauties is the island of Cirella, a small jewel of the Riviera dei Cedri which, thanks to its natural and monumental heritage, has become a popular tourist destination. In 2021, it also earned Diamante the Blue Flag award.

From an architectural and cultural perspective, numerous monuments enrich the small Calabrian town, including:

• the ruins of Cirella, remains of the settlement that arose between 850 and 1000 AD and ceased to exist in 1808
• the monastery of the Minims, built in 1545
• the roman mausoleum, a monumental tomb from the imperial age, probably dating back to the 2nd–3rd century AD
• the church of San Biagio, built around 1800
• the tower of the island of Cirella, a defensive outpost built between the late 1500s and early 1600s

Today, among the many artistic elements that enrich the village, we can also list the murals created by 85 artists from different parts of the world, starting in 1981.

The activities and events of the village

Among the most notable activities to take part in during a visit to the village are:

• the chili pepper festival, a cultural and gastronomic event held in Diamante since 1992
• the mediterraneo festival corto, a film competition founded in 2011 and dedicated to short films, awarding works from all over the world
• calici sotto le stelle, a festival focused on the promotion and appreciation of Calabrian food and wine traditions