Rende is an interesting destination to visit when touring southern Italy’s Calabria region. This town and municipal area blends the charm of a medieval quarter with the modernity of an urban center. Rende dates back to the Oenotrian era, was a Norman stronghold and was fought over by feudal lords. It became a university town in the 1970s.
Sitting on a hilltop is Rende’s Old Town, with sleepy cobblestone streets and squares lined with ancient churches and noble palaces. Rende Norman Castle is an 11th-century fortress founded by Bohemond I, a leader of the First Crusade. The castle’s towers and portal feature on the town’s coat of arms.
Visit the Zagarese Palace, which houses the Civic Museum of Rende. Browse works by Italian painters such as Giuseppe Pascaletti, Giorgio de Chirico and Mattia Preti. Set in the halls of the Vitari Palace is the Maon Museum. Find thematic exhibitions with a strong focus on artists from the Calabrian region.
Admire more art and architecture at the town churches. The Baroque-style Church of the Rosary and Sanctuary of the Madonna di Costantinopoli both feature frescoes by Cristoforo Santanna. The Church of Ritiro and Church of San Francesco are also worth visiting.
Rende’s culinary scene presents the chance to experience the traditional flavors of Calabria. Sample freshly made cappelletti pasta stuffed with ham and gorgonzola. Another typical dish is tagliatelle with truffles.
About 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) east of the old district is the modern town, called Roges. See displays of contemporary art and photography at the Museum of the Present. Take time out at Robinson Park. To the north is the hamlet of Arcavacata, which is the headquarters of the University of Calabria and site of the Botanical Garden of the University of Calabria.
Rende is just a 25-minute drive from Cosenza. Take a train from Naples and Rome to Cosenza and then catch a bus to Rende, or rent a car to travel at your own pace around this historic area.
