Altomonte
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Altomonte (anc. Balbia) >(CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 4,592 (2006e). Area: 65.29 km². Alt. 455 m. CAP: 87042. Tel. Pref.: 0981. Geographical Coordinates: Lat N/Long E. Population Information: (2001); 4,569(1991). % Change in Population from 1991 to 2001: . Population Density (2001): / km². Inhabitants Designation: Altomontesi.
Location & Setting: It is located 70 km N of Cosenza, situated in hills between the rivers Fiumicello and Grondo. Part of>Regione Agraria n. 12 – Medio Crati Occidentale.
>Economy>: The communal territory is divided between cultivated fields, woods, and pastures. The principal agricultural products are olive oil and wine.
>History>: Of ancient origins, the center was called Balbia in Roman times and produced a notable wine known as Balbino. The name Altomonte first appears in historical documents in 1343. During the 14th century the town enjoyed the status of a center of art and culture. Major earhtquakes were felt here in 1887, 1905, and 1947.
>Points of Interest>: The church of S. Maria della Consilazione (constructed between 1336 and 1380) is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in southern Italy. Believed to be the work of Sienese architests employed by Filippo Sangineto, Count of Altomonte. It includes a beautiful Gothic façade dating from 1380, with a large rose window, and an impressive campanile. The church’s interior includes the Sangineto Masoleum (c1350), a beautifully preserved tomb of Filippo Sangineto, designed in the style of the school of Tino di Camaino. There are also several notable 14th and 15th century sculptures.
> The Civic Museum is housed in a former Dominican monastery adjoining the church of S. Maria della Consilazione. The collection includes artifacts excavated from the site of ancient Balbia dating from the 5th and 6th centuries AD. Also stored here are a pair of alabaster panels dating from 1380; a 15th century marble statue of the Madonna and Child; a 15th century painting, also depicting the Madonna and Child, a work in the style of the Neapolitan-Catalan school; remains of a triptych inspired by the style of Bernardo Daddi; and the remains of some frescoes. There is an excellent painting of St. Ladislaus attributed to the Sienese master Simone Martini (1283-1344), and thought to have originally been part of a triptych commissioned by Count Filippo Sangeneto in 1326.
> The church of San Giacomo dates to the 12th century.
> The Torre dei Pallotta dates from the 14th century.
> The Castello dei Sanseverino dates from the 15th to 17th centuries.
> The Municipio is located in the former 17th century Convento dei Minimi.