Morano Calabro, the “puzzle” village of the Pollino

Morano Calabro is a fascinating hilltop village in Calabria, renowned for its millenary history and picturesque architecture. The name Muranum first appeared on a milestone in the 2nd century BC; its etymology is uncertain, but it may derive either from the mulberry trees (gelsi mori) once abundant in the area, or from the Greek word méruma, meaning “heap” or “pile,” in reference to the clustered arrangement of its buildings. The addition of Calabro dates back to 1863, to distinguish it from Morano sul Po. The village’s history is rich: from the first settlements of the 3rd century BC, to the victory over the Saracens in 1076, to the construction of the castle between the 11th and 12th centuries, and the convents and hospitals of the 15th and 16th centuries. Morano Calabro still preserves the charm of a vibrant and authentic past.

The beauties of Morano The beauty of Morano Calabro lies in the harmony between art and nature: the stones of arches, towers, and houses blend with the majesty of the surrounding mountains, creating a unique panorama. The village, with its maze of alleys, red-tiled roofs, and clustered houses, resembles a nativity scene. Among its main treasures is the Church of San Bernardino da Siena, founded in 1452, with a pointed-arch portal in yellow stone, a wooden ceiling shaped like a ship’s hull, and the polyptych by Bartolomeo Vivarini. Climbing through the Lauri quarter, one reaches the Collegiate Church of San Nicola and, through arches and small squares, the Norman castle, expanded in the 16th century by the Sanseverino family. Not far away stands the Collegiate Church of Saints Peter and Paul, with 18th-century wooden furnishings and statues by Pietro Bernini. Other churches of artistic interest include Santa Maria Maddalena, with the Madonna degli Angeli by Antonello Gagini, and the Capuchin convent. Morano also preserves numerous noble palaces from the 17th to 19th centuries, such as Palazzo Rocco, Salmena, Serranù, and Lauria, characterized by stone portals, loggias, and elegant façades, often integrated with pre-existing medieval structures. The entire village is a concentration of history, art, and architecture set in a breathtaking natural context.

Events in Morano Calabro Traditional festivals enliven Morano Calabro throughout the year. The Festa della Bandiera (May 19–20) commemorates the liberation from the Saracens in 1076 with a tournament among the three districts and a parade in period costumes, coinciding with the feast of San Bernardino, when the symbolic keys of the town are offered. The Festa della Madonna del Carmine (July 14–16) honors the protector of emigrants with a procession, band music, and fireworks. Between July and September, Estate per Morano offers art, music, and cinema. In August, the feasts of the Madonna delle Nevi and the Assumption are celebrated, while at Christmas the village hosts a Living Nativity.

What to see in the surroundings The surroundings of Morano Calabro offer natural and cultural landscapes of great charm. The Pollino National Park, with its beech and holm oak forests and spectacular gorges, is perfect for hiking, trekking, and outdoor activities. The hamlet of Campotenese offers breathtaking views and access to historic trails. Not to be missed is the Monastery of Colloreto, immersed in greenery, and nearby villages such as Castrovillari and Laino Borgo, rich in history and traditional architecture. The Raganello gorges allow for rafting and canyoning experiences, while archaeological sites and local museums recount the ancient roots of the region. This is a territory that unites nature, history, and adventure.

photo credits  LI SEN