Rossano - a small town in the province of Cosenza, Calabria region of Italy, located on the hills 3 km from the Gulf of Taranto. The town is famous for its marble and alabaster quarries. In addition, there is a Department of the Catholic Archbishop - two popes were born in Rossano.

During the Roman Empire the city was called Roshianum. In the 2nd century AD on the orders of the Emperor Hadrian was built (or rebuilt) port that can accommodate up to 300 vehicles. In the "itinerary of Antoninus August" the city is mentioned as one of the most important outposts of Calabria. Even Goths under the leadership first of Alaric I, and then a powerful Totila failed to capture Rossano.

Residents Rossano expressed a special commitment to the Byzantine Empire, which is why the city has "interest" of the emperor. No significant relic of the period extant, is "Rossansky Code", written in the 6th century - a unique illustrated manuscript on 188 parchment sheets.

Militant Saracens also failed to win Rossano .  Only in the 982 th year of Emperor Otto II briefly seized power in the city .  Despite the further conquest of the Normans, Rossano long kept its Greek roots and traditions .  Especially clearly this is manifested in the dominance of the Byzantine liturgical rites of the Latin .  Rossano retain their privileges during the rule of the Hohenstaufen and Angevin dynasty, but after feudalization in 1417, the year began a period of decline .  In the 15th century the town became the property of the Sforza family, and from there - to the Polish King Sigismund .  In 1558, the year it was attached to the Kingdom of Naples .  In those years, Rossano was the cultural center of the region .  Then, for several centuries, the city passed from hand to hand until 1861 was not included in the united Italy .  And that's when most of the inhabitants were forced to emigrate since the economic difficulties did not allow them to live a decent life . 

Today Rossano constantly tour groups come to explore the unique historical and archaeological heritage of the city. Its Cathedral was built in the 11th century, but much rebuilt in the 18-19 th centuries. It has three naves and three apses. Bell Tower and the baptismal font dating back to the 14th century. The main treasure of the cathedral is an ancient icon of the Madonna akeropita (miraculous), made probably in the late 6th century. And it is in the sacristy of the cathedral in 1879, the year was found "Rossansky Code."

Rossano also worth seeing the church of Santa Maria Panagia - an excellent example of Byzantine architecture, the Santa Chiara mid-16th century, the San Francesco di Paola, with a Renaissance portal and late-Gothic cloister and the Church of San Bernardino, the first Roman Catholic church in the city. St. Mark's Church, built in the 10th century and was originally dedicated to St. Anastasia - is the oldest building in Rossano and one of the most well-preserved Byzantine churches in Italy.

Outside the city walls are noteworthy Torre Stellata 16th century Abbey del patir 11-12 th centuries with the ancient Arab-Norman frescoes, Norman apse and ancient portals.