Description of the attraction
Cleto is a town in the province of Cosenza in the Italian region of Calabria, nestled on hills with panoramic views of the Aeolian Islands and the Savuto Presila River Valley. The Tyrrhenian Sea coast begins just a few kilometers from the city. Cleto's location on a hill 250 meters above sea level makes the local climate very dry with hot summers and mild winters. The entire area around the city is covered with olive groves, and oranges and lemons grow in the Savuto River Valley.
Ancient Cleto in the era of Norman rule was called Pietramala and only in 1862 regained its original name. Today it attracts tourists with its historical and architectural monuments, first of all, the antique castle. It was built by the Normans on the top of Monte Sant'Angelo, overlooking the surrounding land right down to the sea and the village below. The castle consisted of two cylindrical towers, one of which stood above the drawbridge and had the status of a watchtower. Inside was a huge vat for collecting rainwater, which was used to quench one's thirst. In another vat, located underground, food supplies were stored. The second tower was divided into two parts - a defensive structure was located at the top, and the lower level was occupied by living quarters. The local ruler, who lived in the castle, had full power over the inhabitants of Cleto - he could sentence them to death for any crime and he could have pardon. The condemned were thrown into what was called a "wolf cave" several hundred feet deep, so that they died from blows when falling or from hunger. But at the same time, in case of natural disasters or other hazards, the inhabitants of Cleto could take refuge in the castle.
Another attraction of Cleto is the Church of Consolation - Chiesa della Consolazione. It was built in the 17th century and is notable for its bell tower with a spire of multicolored majolica.
