Upper Tyrrhenian Cosentino · Riviera dei Cedri
Guardia Piemontese
The only Occitan language island in southern Italy, founded by Waldensian settlers, with the historic Porta del Sangue.
Guardia Piemontese is a town of about 1,760 inhabitants in the province of Cosenza, settled from the 12th century by mainly Waldensian colonists from the Occitan valleys.
Geography
The historic village overlooks the coast; the area is crossed by the road leading to the Terme Luigiane.
History
It is the only Occitan language island in southern Italy: in the old centre the Guardiolo dialect is still alive. On 5 June 1561 the Waldensian community suffered a massacre ordered by Cardinal Michele Ghislieri, later Pope Pius V.
What to see
The Porta del Sangue is the village’s main gate: its name is tied to the 1561 massacre. The old centre preserves the imprint of Occitan culture. Nearby are the Terme Luigiane.
Getting there
By car via the A2 “del Mediterraneo” motorway; by train on the Tyrrhenian railway line; the nearest airport is Lamezia Terme.
Places
What to see around here.
Itineraries through here
- 3 daysTowns & history
Towns & history
Three days among old towns, castles and the only Occitan language island in southern Italy.
6 stops5 townsAll year roundSee the stops -
2 daysWellness & spaWellness & spa
Two days among thermal waters, marina and towns of the Middle Tyrrhenian Cosentino area.
4 stops4 townsAll year roundSee the stops -
4 daysTowns & historyFour days among old towns
Four days among castles, Norman towns, sacred art and the Occitan language island.
8 stops5 townsAll year roundSee the stops -
3 daysWellness & spaNature and Pollino in three days
Three days among spa, Palaeolithic cave and mountains of the Pollino National Park.
6 stops4 townsMarch–NovemberSee the stops
Frequently asked questions
- Because it was settled from the 12th century by Waldensians from the Occitan valleys: it is the only Occitan language island in southern Italy, where the Guardiolo dialect survives.
- The village’s main gate, tied to the 1561 massacre of the Waldensian community.
Why is Occitan spoken in Guardia Piemontese?
What is the Porta del Sangue?
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