Frascineto, nestled among the mountains of the Pollino National Park in the province of Cosenza in Calabria, is one of the Arbëreshe villages where you can discover another aspect of the history and culture of this people.
In Frascineto, known as Frasnita in the Arbëreshe language, you will find the Museum of Icons and Byzantine Tradition. Thanks to the expert guidance of those who make the Museum accessible, you can immerse yourself in Byzantine art, history, and liturgy through the exhibition of the vast collection of Archimandrite Paolo Lombardo.
The Museum is designed on three levels: the first introduces the Byzantine world and prepares for a more in-depth visit; the second displays classic Byzantine icons; the third houses some ancient Russian bronze icons, sacred furnishings, and liturgical vestments, as well as rare editions of books from the 18th to the 20th century.
What are icons? The term derives from Greek and identifies a sacred depiction, painted on a panel, of the message of the Holy Scriptures. The characters depicted, from Jesus to the Madonna to the Saints, are represented with transfigured faces because they do not belong to the earthly world but to the celestial one.
Outside the Museum, the Church of Santa Maria dell'Assunta, dating back to the 18th century, welcomes the gaze. It was built on a previous Latin cross church. During its reconstruction, the people of Frascineto expanded the Vima, the altar placed to the east according to Greek-Byzantine tradition.
The oldest church in Frascineto is the Church of San Pietro, dating back to the 10th century, officiated by Basilian monks of the Byzantine rite until 1734.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM / 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM Sunday open for groups of up to 20 people
Other places to explore:
- Greek-Byzantine Rite Church - Acquaformosa
- The Village of Civita
- Lavender Park - Morano Calabro
