Rossano – Paludi

A unique stage both from an historical-artistic and naturalistic perspective, across hermit caves and incredible monasteries. Along the trail, hikers will get the chance to visit the Cathedral of Maria Santissima Achiropita (XI century) – featuring the icon of the “Achiropita” Virgin Mary (from the Greek “not painted by hand”) – where the Codex Purpureus Rossanensis was discovered, a Byzantine Gospel Book with precious polychrome miniatures dating back to the VI century. The trail is set against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes of streams, olive and orange groves and the beautiful mountains of the Greek Sila.

Rossano

Area

Sila Greca

Difficulty

T

Distance

14,5 km

Travel time

4-6 ore

Start

Rossano – Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Achiropita

Finish

Centro storico di Paludi

Difference in altitude

↑ 500m ↓ 350m

Accessible

All year round

Springs and fountainheads with waypoint

No

River/fiumare crossing (waypoint)

No

Route

Brief historical overview

Rossano is a district of the city of Corigliano-Rossano, established in March 2018 from the merger of the two municipalities. The village originates on top of a well fortified hill on the last extremities of the Greek Sila. It is renowned for being in the past an important spiritual, political and administrative centre of the Byzantine Empire (so much so that it earned the title – still in use to this day – of “Byzantine”). The seven Basilian monasteries and the numerous number of small hermitages (laura or lavra) make it a crucial religious epicentre. The Museo Diocesano of Rossano features a precious artefact, renowned throughout the world: the Codex Purpureus Rossanensis, a Byzantine Gospel Book with priceless polychrome miniatures dating back to the 6th century and inscribed by the UNESCO Committee in its register of the memory of the world since 2015. The city centre is rich of precious buildings of historical and artistic relevance such as: the Cathedral of Maria Santissima Achiropita (XI century); the Church of San Nilo (XV century), the Parish of San Marco (IX-X century), one of the most well-preserved examples of Byzantine architecture in Italy; the Church of Panghìa (X-XI century), yet another example of religious Byzantine architecture with traces of ancient frescos. The Abbey of Santa Maria del Patire is well worth a visit: it is a Basilian monastic complex dating back to the XI century. The natural oasis of chestnuts also known as “I Giganti di Cozzo del Pesco” (Giants of Cozzo del Pesco) is around four kilometres away from Santa Maria del Patire: Basilian monks used to make flour from the chestnuts, bake sweets, and exchange them for other produces with local and foreign people. The Giorgio Amarelli Museum of liquorice is also worth a visit.

Paludi: Hermit cave

Paludi is a small village of Eastern Greek Sila 430 m above sea level. It was part of the territory of Rossano for most of its history. In the city centre of Paludi are a number of churches of particular historical and artistic value such as: the Chiesa Madre dedicated to San Clemente (Patron Saint, celebrated on the 23rd of November), the Chiesa dell’Immacolata Concezione, the Chiesa della Madonna del Soccorso and the Chiesa di S. Antonio. The latter is knowns as Sant’Antonio (even though consecrated as “Santa Maria di Nazareth”) due to the presence of the simulacrum of the Saint venerated by the citizens of Paludi. It is highly recommended to pay a visti to the archeological site of Castiglione di Paludi, important Bruttian fortress or Greek city, potentially founded by king Alexander I of Epirus. Among some of the tastiest local dishes are the maccarrun alla pastora, anice biscuits, the scaliddri (sweet honey-glazed sticks), the trippa ccu lu sucu juschent (pork tripe seasoned with spicy sauce).

Landscape of Paludi

Map and elevation profile

Further information

Guides of reference for the stage: Flaviano Lavia +39 339 5290644 – +39 0983 522331 and Domenico Flotta +39 380 7948403

[Rossano]

Comune Ufficio Turistico – tel. +39 0983 529209

[Paludi]

Comune Paludi – tel. +39 0983 62029 –  web: http://www.comune.paludi.cs.it/ – mail: protocollogenerale.paludi@asmepec.it

Where to eat

Extra: not verified

[Paludi]

Farmhouse – Colle Dell’ Unna – tel. +39 346 3274224 – mail:  info@colledellunna.com n.b.: about 2,3 Km away from the village

Last update: 2021-12-20