The village of Civita, in the province of Cosenza in Calabria, is animated by two spirits: the naturalistic spirit of the Pollino Park in which it is immersed and the spirit of the Arbëreshe culture that marked its foundation.
The Arbëreshe Ethnic Museum, which overlooks the central square of Civita, is an expression of the soul of that people who fled from Epirus five centuries ago. Founded in 1989, the Museum collects various testimonies of the local peasant civilization. It is spread over two floors and four rooms: the Reception Room, the Loom Room, the Totem Room, and the Costume Room.
In addition to the testimonies, there is also a photographic exhibition, an iconographic collection, and a library of Albanian texts. Noteworthy are the icon of the Madonna of Odigitria and the notes of a storyteller on the History of Skanderberg.
The deep connection of the Albanian-speaking people of southern Italy to their ancient culture is evidenced by the magazine Katundi Ynë, Paese Nostro, written and published in the Arbëreshe language.
Other places to explore:
- Devil's Bridge - Civita
- Il Nibbio - Morano Calabro
- Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Armi - Cerchiara di Calabria
