Cosenza is a provincial capital located at 238 metres above sea level. Has very ancient origins and among its most important historical and artistic monuments include the Norman castle, the Cathedral built in the 13th century, the Church of St. Catherine from the 15th century. Very famous also the Academy of Cosenza which was founded in the 16th century and became the seat of studies under the reign of the two Sicilies. Cosenza is also identified as Athens of Calabria with its cultural past. the Accademia Cosentina, for example, is the second of the Kingdom of Naples and one of the first academies founded in Europe. Remains a city where art and culture sink well rooted, not surprisingly in October 2008 was recognized as a city of art by Regione Calabria with a resolution aiming to highlight the historical and artistic heritage of the city, with important effects on the commercial aspect (the pride of the local economy) and tourism in the territory. On October 12, 2011 Cosenza Cathedral was declared by UNESCO "World Heritage witnesses a culture and peace"; This is the first award given by the organisation in Calabria.