Longobucco is one of the main municipalities of the Sila National Park and in terms of its territory is one of the largest in Calabria.

Longobucco's name derives from the Latina longa bucca ("large mouth"), referring to the original Greek name of the nearby torrent Macrocioli; in the past it was associated with Temesa, or Tempsa, the ancient town Homer was referring to in his Odyssey and famous for its mining fields, from which the Sybarites derived silver to coin their coins, as well as Kroton and the Romans.

In 1197 Emperor Henry VI sent to oppido nostro Longoburgi (our town Longburg) his relative Pietro di Livonia to supervise the precious mineral extraction.

Emigration to the United States and Argentina reached its peak at this time as Longobucchesi such as the Gammuto family sought to escape poverty and the brigantaggio to find opportunity in the new world.

Today's projects are relying on tourism, natural resources, typical products, craftsmanship and cooperation for the development of the town.