Rossano is a small town in the province of Cosenza Italian region Calabria, located on a hill 3 km from the Gulf of Taranto. The city is known for its marble and alabaster quarries. In addition, there is the seat of the Catholic Archbishop and two Popes were natives of Rossano.

During the Roman Empire the city was called Rationum. In the 2nd century ad by Emperor Hadrian was built (or rebuilt) a port that could accommodate up to 300 vehicles. In the Martigny had Antonina August" the city is mentioned as one of the most important outposts of Calabria. Even the Goths under the leadership of first Alaric I, and then the mighty of Totila are unable to capture Rossano.

Residents Rossano has made a special commitment to the Byzantine Empire, which is why the city settled "rate" of the Emperor. Significant relic of that period extant, is "Rosansky code", written in the 6th century, is a unique illustrated manuscript on 188 parchment sheets.

The warlike Saracens also failed to win Rossano. Only in 982, the year Emperor Otto II briefly seized power in the city. Despite the conquest by the Normans, Rossano long retained its Greek roots and traditions. Especially clearly this was manifested in the predominance of the Byzantine liturgical rites over Latin. Their privileges Rossano maintained during the periods of rule of the Hohenstaufen and Angevin dynasty, but after the feudalism in 1417, the year began a period of decline. In the 15th century, the town became the property of the Sforza family, and from them to the Polish king Sigismund. In 1558, the year it was incorporated into the Neapolitan Kingdom. In those years, Rossano was the cultural center of the region. Then, for several centuries, the town passed from hand to hand, until, in 1861, the year not became part of United Italy. And that's when most of the residents of the city had been forced to emigrate because of economic difficulties did not allow them to live a decent life.

Today in Rossano constantly come tour group to explore the unique historical and archaeological heritage of the city. Its Cathedral was built in the 11th century but substantially rebuilt in the 18-19-th centuries. It has three naves and three apses. The bell tower and the baptistery date back to the 14th century. The main treasure of the Cathedral is the ancient icon of the Madonna of atropia (Holy face), made probably in the late 6th century. And it is in the sacristy of the Cathedral in 1879, the year was found "Rosansky code".

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

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