Bocchigliero, a picturesque farming town, ideal for holidays, situated in the Sila Grande in province of Cosenza, rises 870 metres above the sea, on a wooded buttress high up the basin of the river Trionto, left of the Laurenzana torrent.
Its origins, although imprecise, are extremely remote, proved by the archaeological findings in such localities as Contrada Macchia del Calvario and Monumento. These findings have brought to light traces of a prehistoric settlement dating back to Neolithic times.
Lenormant affirms that very probably the modern town of Bocchigliero lies on the ancient site of the Enotria city of ARINTHE, cited by Ecateo of Mileto.
In the 4th century BC, the territory of Bocchigliero was the site of a Bruzio settlement, of which remain the ruins of part of the fortifications similar to the 'Muraglie' at Pietrapaola.
On the Basilicò Mountain the ruins of a Medieval (Byzantine) dwelling have come to light, close to the remains of a Basilian-Norman oratory.
The modern town of Bocchigliero probably dates back to the 10th century, when, under the threat of the Saracen invaders, many inhabitants of the coastal towns fled to the mountains seeking refuge.
The town of Casale, part of the County of Cariati, took part in the feudal events until 1678, when it came under the Labonia family until 1694, and then the Sambiase controlled it until the abolition of the feudal system(1806).
In conformity with the orders given by General Championnet (1799), it was included in the Cantone of Cirò; in 1806, it became a 'Luogo'of the 'Government of Umbriatico'. In 1811, it became an independent town included in the District of Campana.
Historical monuments. Amongst the town's historical monuments is the Mother Church (Saint Mary Assunta), erected during the 17th century, a basilican style interior with a nave and two aisles. Rather interesting the embattled belfry, culminating in an acute pyramid and the portal in dressed stone, work of local craftsmen.
Amongst the other religious buildings worthy of note are the Church of the Reform (or the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Jesus), lying in a panoramic position at an altitude of about 1000 metres, and the Small Church of the Basilicò, the remains of a Medieval oratory (probably Basilian-Norman) in the locality of 'Cozzo della Chiesa'.
At Bocchigliero, there once existed several convents ( of the Augustinians, Reformers and the Clarisse), which have now been dissolved, leaving the suggestive ruins of their once beautiful buildings.
Walking around the characteristic narrow streets of the old town, it is possible to admire the different artistic details, such as the lovely portals made of local stone, wrought iron railings and balustrades, work of clever local craftsmen.
Bocchigliero, a picturesque farming town, ideal for holidays, situated in the Sila Grande in province of Cosenza, rises 870 metres above the sea, on a wooded buttress high up the basin of the river Trionto, left of the Laurenzana torrent.
