Papasidero Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Papasidero
Riparo of Romito
Papasidero
Papasidero
Papasidero

Prehistoric relics, sacred churches and an ancient grotto decorated with Paleolithic drawings are safeguarded in this town in the heart of Pollino National Park.

Discover the fascinating history enshrined in the town of Papasidero. Speckled with beautiful churches and archaeological treasures, this beautiful mountain village has a remarkable story to tell. Learn about ancient Greek relics, Paleolithic remnants and prehistoric burial sites. Papasidero presents the ancient world, preserved within secret grottos, craggy mountains and verdant valleys.

Begin your exploration of Papasidero by wandering around its pretty town centre, which has retained its 12th-century medieval character. Hike down to the secluded Il Santuario di Costantinopoli along the banks of the Lao River. Within this sanctuary are beautifully preserved Byzantine frescoes. Collect a key from one of the local cafés to visit the 11th-century chapel of the town’s oldest church, Santa Sofia.

Archaeologists flocked to Papasidero in the 1960s after the discovery of Paleolithic burial sites in the Grotta del Romito. Explore the remarkable grotto filled with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as cave engravings up to 23,000 years old. Admire this prehistoric art, which has led historians to believe that this was an ancient holy place. Visit the grotto’s Antiquarium della Grotta del Romito to learn about its artefacts and excavations.

The name Papasidero is derived from the Greek for Papàs Isidoros, which may refer to the Greek leader of a monastery in the Mercuriense region. Listen for a hint of the Greek language in the local Italian dialect here. Stop in the village’s cafés and delicatessens to enjoy local fare, such as regional wine and sausages.

Explore further afield in the abandoned village of Avena, which contains a church bearing 11th-century Byzantine frescoes.

Papasidero is located within the Calabrian province of Cosenza. It is about a 2-hour drive from the major city of Cosenza. The nearest train line runs along the coast, which is a 40-minute drive away. Experience this magnificent mountain village’s fascinating historical sites at any time of the year.

Borgo di Fiuzzi Resort & Spa

Borgo di Fiuzzi Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
Contrada Fiuzzi, Praia a Mare, CS
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Praia a Mare. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Praia A Mare Beach and AquaFans ...
"NA"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2023

Borgo di Fiuzzi Resort & Spa
Hotel Ristorante Borgo La Tana

Hotel Ristorante Borgo La Tana

3 out of 5
Via dell'Amicizia, 22, Contrada Castrocucco di Maratea, Maratea, PZ
The price is Rp1.778.395 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
Rp1.778.395
Rp2.069.639 total
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Maratea. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Spiaggia d'a Gnola and La Secca Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (117 reviews)
Should be renamed Borgia La Tana
"This hotel doesn't like guests! The staff were surly and unhelpful. Example 1: Swimming in the pool, being yelled at by the staff and told to get out - the rules say that you can't swim unless you are wearing a rubber skullcap (circa 1950) - both men and women! Not owning one of these means you can't ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2024

Hotel Ristorante Borgo La Tana
Hotel Tea Praia

Hotel Tea Praia

4 out of 5
Via Dante Alighieri 60, Praia a Mare, CS
The price is Rp776.655 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
Rp776.655
Rp1.005.528 total
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Praia a Mare. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Sanctuary of the Madonna Della Grotta ...
7.4/10 Good! (15 reviews)
"This place looked like an old hotel that we probably bumped into this very year in a stepping-stone period towards its becoming a proper boutique hotel (perhaps I will go back next year to double check). As a matter of fact the reception was stunning but once you get in your room you have the feeling ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2022

Hotel Tea Praia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villaggio Camping Maratea

Villaggio Camping Maratea

C.da Castrocucco 72, Maratea, PZ
Stay at this beach campsite in Maratea. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Spiaggia d'a Gnola and La Secca Beach are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
Estate 2025
"Esperienza positiva per tutto il soggiorno presso il villaggio."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Villaggio Camping Maratea
Resort Petrasia

Resort Petrasia

SS18, Vibonati, SA
Stay at this apartment in Vibonati. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a garden. Popular attractions Spiaggia di Sapri and Policastro Harbour are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6 reviews)
"La struttura è abbastanza nuova, immersa nel verde e con un bel potenziale, ha una piscina non grandissima ma gradevole, campi da calcetto e padel con relativo spogliatoi. Il check-in è risultato veloce anche se il personale di front end non mi ha trasmesso particolare empatia. La casetta che ci ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Resort Petrasia
Club Residence La Castellana

Club Residence La Castellana

4 out of 5
Località La Praia, Belvedere Marittimo, CS
Stay at this 4-star beach residence in Belvedere Marittimo. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a free beach shuttle and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Chiesa del ...
Club Residence La Castellana
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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