tH
# 78 APRIL 18 , 2016
In the Middle Ages, this
land was conquered by
the Byzantines, who brought benefits to the economy of the territory with
the introduction of new
agricultural techniques,
sericultural
production,
and the promotion of social aggregation. The results are still evident in the
elegant and refined architecture, as well as those of
the Normans, the Angevins, the Aragonese and
the Spaniards, who all left
their mark in the following
centuries.
cent years is experiencing
a renewed vibrancy. The
historic center is one of
the most beautiful and ancient of Italy, for its monumental buildings, manor
houses, urban plan, and
labyrinth of streets around
the old buildings and
churches.
See
Cosenza, known as the
City of the Bruzi, is one of
the most ancient cities of
Calabria and is situated on
seven hills in the valley of
Crati, where it meets the
Busento River. Due to its
cultural past, it was known
as the Athens of Italy; today, it houses the largest The city's cultural activiuniversity campus in the ties are well-developed,
nation.
thanks in part to theatrical
events held in locations
The old city is characteri- like the traditional Teatro
zed by steep and narrow A. Rendano, the historical
alleyways and, during re- Cinemateatro Italia and
WE THE ITALIANS | 19
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