Rende

Rende is a comune in the southern Italian region of Calabria, within the province of Cosenza. It is part of the Metropolitan City of Cosenza and lies in the Crati river valley, just west of the city of Cosenza. The municipality includes districts such as Arcavacata and Donnici.

The campus of the University of Calabria is located in Arcavacata di Rende, making the town an important center for higher education and research in the region. The university, established in the late 20th century, attracts students and staff from across Italy and abroad, contributing to the local economy and culture.

Rende traces its origins to medieval settlements linked by regional roads. In the modern era it expanded rapidly as a commuter town and educational hub, developing housing, commerce, and public services to support a growing resident population and the university community.

Economy is driven by education, administration, retail, and professional services, with agriculture persisting in rural outskirts. The municipal government is headed by a mayor and a town council, and the comune is divided into several frazioni or districts, including Arcavacata and Donnici. Rende maintains cultural and religious sites comprising churches and historic buildings that reflect Calabria's local traditions.