Nocara – Oriolo

The stage follows the ancient tracks of monks that used to travel along the various directions in order to reach their convents. The itinerary starts in Nocara and moves across the Calabro-Lucanian watershed up until Oriolo, one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia”, founded as a defensive fortress against the incessant Saracens’ raids along the Ionic coastlines. The trail will attract history and archeology enthusiasts that will be able to visit in the proximities of Nocara the archeological sites of Presinace, Murge di Santa Caterina (where excavations have brought to light remains of a fortified bizantine monastery, probably dedicated to Saint Anania) and Armi di Sant’Angelo

Overview of Oriolo

Area

Alto Jonio cosentino

Difficulty

E – Also accessible via MTB

Distance

11 km

Travel time

3-4 hrs

Start

Nocara (Ex Convento degli Antropici)

Finish

Oriolo

Difference in altitude

↑ 250m ↓ 350m

Accessible

All year round

Springs and fountainheads with waypoint

The only fountain is at the starting point by the ex-Convent of Antropici

River/fiumare crossing (waypoint)

No

Route

Brief historical overview

Nocara has very ancient origins: it seems urban settlements existed on the hill since prehistoric Italy. The archeological sites of Presinace, Murge di Santa Caterina, Armi di Sant’Angelo (to mention only a few) originated here, and it is only reasonable to presume that they would have had a leading role in the control of the Valle del Torrente Canna up to the Ionian Sea and basins of the Ragone and Sarmento streams, tributaries of the Sinni river. The municipal palace hosts the Museo Epeo (from the mythical homeric hero): it showcases sculptures, paintings and contemporary artworks from many countries, including Argentina; a special section is dedicated to Tommaso Di Taranto, Italian-Argentinian born in Montescaglioso then emigrated to South America, where he became a famous artist.

The Convent of Santa Maria degli Antropici, dedicated to the veneration of The Virgin and Child (“Madonna con il Bambino”), is a mile away from the city centre of Nocara: built throughout different eras, it got to its present appearances during the second half of the XVII century. A fresco depicting the Nursing Madonna (“Madonna del Latte”) was discovered during recent restoration works. The ex-convent has been converted to overnight accommodation and rest-stop.

Oriolo was initially founded as a defensive fortress against the incessant Saracens’ raids along the Ionic coastlines. The ancient village, perched on a big spur of sandstone, is protected by a natural gorge with a small stream running through it, tributary of the Fiumara di Oriolo. Up on the top is the Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio Martire, with the Norman Castle behind it. Local historian Gabriele Barrio, in “Antichità e luoghi della Calabria”, describes the village: “Thus is the small village of Riolo, on a rock, up high; surrounded by mountains…it produces a famous wine and even cotton”. Oriolo was enriched with many churches and convents in the centuries throughout the evolution of the main urban settlement. The convent of the Minori Francescani was built, nursing seven provincial friars, among which Padre Bonaventura, who died in odour of sanctity. The convent has been for a long time the resting place of the relics of San Francesco da Paola, that father Dionigi Colomba brought back from France as a gift from Queen Catherine de’ Medici. The Pignone del Carretto family played another important role in the history of Oriolo: they were great, well-learned Lords, responsible for the foundation of new villages in the nearby areas and the preservation of Oriolo. Thus the origin of Alessandria del Carretto (in the mountains) and other small villages around the coastlines.

Map and elevation profile

Further information

Guide of reference for the stage: Emanuele Pisarra +39 333 8732829

[Oriolo]

Pro Loco Oriolo – tel. +39 388 9280077 – sito web: www.facebook.com/pages/category/Nonprofit-Organization/Pro-Loco-Di-Oriolo-1202057023154472/
Comune Oriolo – tel. +39 0981 930871 – sito web: www.comune.oriolo.cs.it – mail: info@comune.oriolo.cs.it

Where to eat

Extra: not verified

[Oriolo]

Farmhouse – Antico Casale – tel. +39 349 3723198
Farmhouse – Cervinace – tel. +39 0981 930053 – tel. +39 347 9137756 n.b.: about 5 Km away from the village

Last update: 2024-10-15