Nestled between a rocky wall, Mount Pollino, and a lush expanse of centuries-old olive groves and vineyards, the village of Frascineto offers our guests the opportunity to embark on numerous cultural and naturalistic trails in the splendid mountains of Pollino.
In Frascineto, a combination of nature and culture awaits. Starting from the historic center where our 1st Category B&B is located, you can venture into the characteristic streets of the village to admire the ancient palaces and visit the Chapel of Santa Lucia, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Museum of Icons and Byzantine Tradition. Here, you will find evocative icons, some originating from Serbia and Russia, dating back to the 17th to 20th centuries. These three elements ideally constitute a sort of integrated museum system due to their proximity and represent our cultural identity linked to the Byzantine-Greek rite, characterized by the presence of many symbolic elements and a solemn tone.
By walking a few hundred meters, you will come across the Arbëresh Ethnographic Museum "Argalia-Il Telaio" and the International Library "Antonio Bellusci," then continue to reach the highest part of the village where the Arbëresh Costume Museum is located. Here, you can admire a complete exhibition of traditional clothing from the Albanian-speaking communities of Italy. From this point, heading north on a rocky wall overlooking the village, you will find the Hermitage of Madonna di Lassù (Shën Mëria Këtje Lart), a place where Basilian monks used to retreat for contemplative life. Outside the inhabited center, you can visit the Church of San Pietro, a National Monument, in Byzantine style.
In Eianina, a small administrative center annexed to Frascineto, you can visit the Church of San Basilio Magno in Baroque style.
There is much more to discover in our small village. Once you reach Eianina, if you lift your eyes, you will see the Dolomite walls of Timpone del Krivo, equipped for sports climbing enthusiasts.
The heart of the Pollino National Park
Frascineto is the ideal starting point for your excursions in the Pollino National Park. With the help of the Park's Official Guides, among the places you must not miss, we suggest the Raganello Canyon, a river gorge characterized by sheer cliffs sculpted by the Raganello stream; the Devil's Bridge; the belvedere in Piano Ruggio with its characteristic Loricati Pines, and the Piano di Novacco, where cross-country skiing is possible during winter months.
Towards the Ionian coast
A few kilometers from Frascineto, in the territory of Cerchiara di Calabria, you can visit the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Armi and stop at the thermal station of Grotta delle Ninfe. Heading towards the Ionian Sea, you will be enchanted by the ancient Sybaris, now Sibari, a rich and important city of Magna Graecia, home to an archaeological park and the national archaeological museum.
Rafting, canyoning, and more...
In Papasidero, a tiny village immersed in unspoiled nature, the testimony of primitive men remains, such as the bovid of the Grotta del Romito, along with Byzantine paintings, symbols of Basilian monasticism. From Papasidero or Laino Borgo, let yourself be carried away by the thrill of rafting or canyoning on the Lao River.
And more...
Take short trips to the most beautiful and picturesque villages in Italy, such as Morano Calabro or Altomonte, or visit the Grotte di Sant'Angelo (Cassano allo Ionio).
It's worth noting the proximity to the Frascineto Castrovillari highway junction, only 300 meters away. Upon request, we also provide a shuttle service to the Castrovillari bus station and the nearest train stations (Sibari-Cosenza-Paola) by prior agreement.