Fiumefreddo Bruzio ~ Most Beautiful Hamlets in Calabria Series
Where is it?
This ancient hamlet in the province of Cosenza sits perched on the cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian sea. Today, Fiumefreddo Bruzio has two parts: the ancient borgo and the more modern marina.
Behind the Name
Fiumefreddo Bruzio comes from its ancient name Flumen Frigidum (Cold River), which was most likely chosen for the cold drinkable waters that flow from the mountainside.
The word Bruzio comes from the Bruzi, an ancient population of Italic ancestry who inhabited most of Calabria in 4th Century B.C. It was added in 1860 to distinguish it from other towns in Italy with the same name.
A Bit of History
The origins of Fiumefreddo Bruzio trace back to the Middle Ages and was probably chosen for the strategic and defensive possibilities it offers.
In 1054, the Normans occupied the region and a defense tower was built.
In 1098, Fiumefreddo Bruzio passed over to the feudal authority of Charles I of Anjou, at which point the tower was transformed into a fortified castle. It continued passing hands first to the Angevins and then the Aragonese.
In 1528, Emperor Carlo V assigned the territory to Ferdinando d’Alarcon who, in 1536, embellished the castle and built the outer city walls. In the early 1800s, the castle was severely damaged.
Today, Fiumefreddo Bruzio still has the remains of the castle, which you can visit, as well as part of its medieval outer walls. It is also one of the “Borghi Piu Belli d’Italia“.
What to See
Historic Center
The castle is located just outside what’s left of the remaining city walls. There is a small parking lot nearby. If you park your car there, the castle is a short walk uphill.
Not much remains of the castle, but it is still worth a walkthrough. You just can’t beat the magnificent views it provides. Walking among the remains you can imagine how important this structure was to the town and the populations that occupied this territory.
As you walk through the great portal that leads you into the old town, you are instantly greeted by the beauty and history of this hamlet.
You become immediately immersed in the beautiful noble residences, and impressive churches, like the Chiesa dell’Addolorata
Largo Torretta
This scenic overlook located in the historic centre is the place to be when you want to catch the last rays as the sun sets for the day. On a clear day, you can even see Stromboli in the distance. As the sun seemingly dips into the sea, it leaves the skies with an array of colours. A truly romantic and magical experience, perfect to share with your loved one.
Here you’ll also find a Clock Tower overlooking the square. In front of it sits an interesting bronze sculpture known as “La Ragazza del Surf” (Surfer Girl). An artist, Salvatore Fiume, donated it to the town.
You can find other works by this artist on display in the lower levels of the Castle as well.
This post is the first in a new series. This series will focus on ancient hamlets in Calabria that have been selected as one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Hamlets. I look forward to visiting all of these small charming villages and sharing my experiences and travel advice with you.
Comments are closed.
Lyosha
February 4, 2020 at 1:45 pmVery pretty photos! I am absolutely charmed! it makes me want to go on adventure and enjoy travels more
Sonia Seivwright
February 4, 2020 at 1:12 pmI am thinking Disney buildings are inspired by buildings like this. They all look like castles to me. Stunning.
LuLu
February 6, 2020 at 7:19 amI agree! 🙂 It’s fun to imagine what the castle was like when people once lived in it! I love visiting castles, even when there isn’t much left of them!
Krystel | Frugal Living
February 2, 2020 at 11:26 pmWow this is beautiful, I would like to visit. What’s the best way to get there?
LuLu
February 4, 2020 at 8:19 amThanks for the comment! To get to the old hamlet, you need a car – at the moment there aren’t any local buses that go up into the old part of Fiumefreddo – they only stop at the marina on the seaside.
jerry godinho
February 1, 2020 at 10:32 pmFiumefreddo Bruzio. I have to say you have changed my opinion of Calabria. I can see myself retiring in this place. The sun, sea and beautiful castles. It just looks untouched. I love your vivid pics and man it just looks gorgeous and envying you from Toronto where it is minus 10c.
LuLu
February 4, 2020 at 8:21 amI’m so glad that I’ve opened your mind up to Calabria! It’s very often overlooked and misunderstood but it really is a beautiful region – weather is great, you are near the mountains and the sea, and the food is amazing!
Lindsay Brown
February 1, 2020 at 10:09 pmOld crumbling castles are one of my favourite things! It just makes me think of all the history that has gone down in such a place. I love how you incorporate the history along with today’s local culture as well in your articles! I’d love to visit one day!
LuLu
February 4, 2020 at 8:22 amThanks so much Lindsay! I hope you visit Calabria one day! 🙂
Live Learn Better
February 1, 2020 at 4:45 pmYour posts make Italy so attractive! I’m planning a summer trip to Europe and will surely try visiting one the places you have featured especially Calabria.
LuLu
February 1, 2020 at 5:23 pmI’m so glad I’ve been able to show you the beauty of this region of Southern Italy! Calabria is often overlooked, but it has so much to offer tourists!
Kelly Martin
February 1, 2020 at 5:33 amHow nice to be able to explore all of those beautiful little hamlets in Calabria. I look forward to reading more of your posts in this series.
LuLu
February 1, 2020 at 8:51 amThanks, Kelly! I’m truly grateful to live in a place that offers so many beautiful places to visit! Italy may be small but it is bursting at the seams with beautiful places to explore!
Britt Kascjak
February 1, 2020 at 1:53 amThis is incredible. There may not be much left to the castle, but for those views, I couldn’t resist the temptation to tour that! Your photos look breathtaking!
LuLu
February 1, 2020 at 8:50 amThe views are spectacular, especially at sunset! The townspeople who live there all head out to the main piazza in the evening to watch the sunset – talk about a lovely way to end every day! They’ve managed to salvage a lot of the castle and it seems like they are in the process of restoring it as best they can (fingers crossed they find the funds to do so!)
Trish Veltman
February 1, 2020 at 12:12 amWhat a gorgeous post. Such beautiful photos – makes me want to jump on a plane now!
Stephanie S.
January 31, 2020 at 7:22 pmWow!- So beautiful. I’d love to visit one day, and it looks like you had an amazing trip. I really like the details on the buildings. So much beauty in all of it. 🙂
Scott DeNicola
January 31, 2020 at 5:53 pmThese pictures look like something out of one of the villages in Game Of Thrones. Crumbled castles and water views. WOW Fiumefreddo Bruzio goes all the way back to the middle ages. The srufer girl statue is perfect for this little hamlet.
LuLu
February 1, 2020 at 8:47 amIt’s always interesting to see more modern elements mixed into these old places! Fiumefreddo is a lovely small town, and the people are so welcoming too! There are many hamlets like this one scattered throughout this region, but this one is really one of my favourites. When you walk through the main gate into the old town – it’s like a step into the past!
Roberta - adventurous miles
January 31, 2020 at 5:06 pmVery beautiful! I plan on visiting Italy soon, maybe I will add this to the list. Thanks for sharing 🙂
LuLu
February 1, 2020 at 8:45 amItaly is a wonderful place, so much to see and do….and eat!! If you happen to venture south towards Calabria, let me know and I’ll let you know some of the best places you could try to include in your trip! 🙂
Ivana Mearns
January 31, 2020 at 2:56 pmThis looks stunning. It’s quite amazing how many amazing places were built near water springs, it’s been fascinating to learn more about the history of this place.
LuLu
February 1, 2020 at 8:44 amGrazie mille, Ivana! 🙂 I look forward to visiting and sharing more of these beautiful hamlets in Calabria!
Vivian
May 4, 2019 at 1:54 pmNice post, LuLu! Thanks!
LuLu
May 7, 2019 at 8:22 amThanks Vivian! I appreciate you taking the time to read! 🙂
Serena
April 24, 2019 at 10:00 amSouthern Italian has a wealth of hidden gems. Thank you for raising awareness on this topic. I will definitely visit Fiumefreddo Bruzio 🙂
LuLu
April 26, 2019 at 7:15 amThere are so many beautiful places in Southern Italy…I have a never-ending list of places I want to visit! 🙂
Izzy
April 3, 2019 at 5:59 pmWow! What a beautiful spot. I hope to visit some day!
x
Isabella
http://www.IsabellaDavid.com
Michelle Kellogg
April 3, 2019 at 3:40 pmThat castle, even though not what it once was, is still amazing! I love learning the history behind it.
LuLu
April 8, 2019 at 7:16 amYes, it’s heartbreaking to see how some of these castles were left basically abandoned, especially because there is so much history in these ruins! Many towns, especially small ones, didn’t have the funds or the means to upkeep these buildings – but they are still quite beautiful!
Silvia
April 3, 2019 at 6:15 amThis is such a gorgeous place, I love these old grounds, steeped in history. Will put it on my travel list now for sure!
Rachel
April 3, 2019 at 1:25 amWhat a gorgeous place! We’re thinking about going to Italy on our honeymoon in a few months. I’d love to stop here!
Eimear
April 3, 2019 at 1:12 amWell it looks absolutely stunning and then surfer girl is such a contrast! I’m looking forward to reading more from your hamlet series. Falling in love with this region just from your beautiful photographs!
LuLu
April 8, 2019 at 7:14 amThanks, that means a lot! Calabria is a region that most people don’t know much about, but there is so much beauty here (and less tourists). I hope you come back to the blog soon! 🙂
Stephanie Stebbins
April 2, 2019 at 11:50 pmWhat an amazing trip! Thank you for sharing it with us (and making me jealous lol)
Shannon
April 2, 2019 at 8:46 pmI HAVE to visit Italy! The images in this post really capture how beautiful a place it is! The artwork is breathtaking!
Adriana Renee
April 2, 2019 at 8:35 pmThis looks beautiful! Going to Italy is in my bucket list.
Brandi
April 2, 2019 at 8:11 pmWow this looks like such a dreamy place to visit! I love all the photos and the history, great post!
Ann Ciardullo
March 29, 2019 at 4:48 amAdding to this place to our list to visit when we come to Italy.
LuLu
March 31, 2019 at 4:37 pmDefinitely worth a visit! 🙂
Tony Staffaroni
March 28, 2019 at 12:42 pmIt looks beautiful! Calabria is a region I have yet to visit, but thanks to your posts, it’s becoming a must see on a future trip!
LuLu
March 31, 2019 at 4:37 pmI really hope you have a chance to visit Calabria, it’s a beautiful region!
Lorelle Catalano
March 27, 2019 at 11:08 amGreat series Lulu. I look forward to reading more as we will be visiting Calabria later in the year. Grazie 🙂
LuLu
March 31, 2019 at 4:38 pmThanks! I hope you enjoy the other hamlets I’ll be writing about! Where are you visiting in Calabria?
Image Earth Travel
March 27, 2019 at 7:40 amGreat write-up and new format!
I’m still to visit Fiumefreddo and have no excuse as it’s so close to Cosenza.
LuLu
March 27, 2019 at 8:30 amThanks Nilla! I’m glad you like the format….I like to change up my writing style. And yes, you need to visit Fiumefreddo, it’s a lovely place! I’ll come with you! 🙂 With the longer days and the nicer weather, we should plan a day trip on the weekend!
KareninCalabria
March 26, 2019 at 10:31 pmNice photos. You’ll have your work cut out for you visiting all the beautiful hamlets of Calabria!
LuLu
March 27, 2019 at 8:27 amThanks Karen! You’re right, there are so many beautiful hamlets here. I’m planning to start with the “official” ones. There are 13 total and I’ve been to 5 of them already – although I do want to revisit some of them! 🙂 So much to discover in Calabria!