Unione

Unione is a comune in the province of Cosenza, situated in the Calabria region of southern Italy. The municipality occupies an area of approximately 32 square kilometres and lies within the Serre Calabresi mountain range, at an elevation around 500 metres above sea level. As of the latest census, the population is roughly 600 inhabitants, known locally as Unionesi. The town is part of the traditional Calabrian hinterland and has a predominantly rural character.

The history of Unione dates back to antiquity, with archaeological evidence indicating that the area was settled by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC. It later became part of the Kingdom of Sicily and subsequently the Calabrian principality under various feudal lords. Throughout the Middle Ages, the community was known for its agricultural production, especially olive cultivation and olive oil refining. In the 19th century, Unione joined the unification of Italy and was incorporated into the modern administrative framework of the Kingdom of Italy.

Economically, Unione remains largely agrarian, with olive groves, vineyards and small-scale livestock farming constituting the main sources of income. The municipality also undertakes modest tourism activities, attracting visitors to its historic church of Santa Maria della Neve, which houses late Renaissance frescoes, and to the surrounding natural landscape. Public transport links are limited; the nearest major road is the SP61, and public bus services connect Unione with nearby towns such as San Giovanni in Fiore and Sibari. The community continues to preserve its cultural traditions through local festivals, particularly the annual feast of Saint Donato, the patron saint of the town.