Stage n.32 WILD
Gariglione (Buturo) – Sersale
Area
Sila Piccola-Presila Catanzarese (comuni di Zagarise-Albi-Sersale)
Difficulty
T
Distance
22,3 km
Travel time
8 – 9 hrs
Start
Rifugio Grandinetti – Monte Gariglione
Finish
Sersale
Difference in altitude
↑ 286m ↓ 1172m
Accessible
From April to November
Springs and fountainheads with waypoint
Yes
River/fiumare crossing (waypoint)
No
This stage of the Cammino Basiliano takes hikers from the tallest mountain of the Sila Piccola to the city of Sersale, in the Presila catanzarese, on a trail that unveils the beauty of both the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian Sea. In Sersale is the Riserva Naturale Regionale Valli Cupe, defined by Belgian naturalist John Bouquet as “the best well-kept secret in Europe”. The natural reserve features canyons, centuries-old trees, monoliths and waterfalls.
Oak trees’ trail
This stage of the Cammino Basiliano takes hikers from the tallest mountain of the Sila Piccola to the city of Sersale, in the Presila catanzarese, on a trail that unveils the beauty of both the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian Sea. In Sersale is the Riserva Naturale Regionale Valli Cupe, defined by Belgian naturalist John Bouquet as “the best well-kept secret in Europe”. The natural reserve features canyons, centuries-old trees, monoliths and waterfalls.
Oak trees’ trail
Area
Sila Piccola-Presila Catanzarese (comuni di Zagarise-Albi-Sersale)
Difficulty
T
Distance
22,3 km
Travel time
8 – 9 hrs
Start
Rifugio Grandinetti – Monte Gariglione
Finish
Sersale
Difference in altitude
↑ 286m ↓ 1172m
Accessible
From April to November
Springs and fountainheads with waypoint
Yes
River/fiumare crossing (waypoint)
No
Trail Ciurrumele Sersale
Route
Chestnuts trees (some even centuries-old) will announce the arrival in the area of Vecchiarello. The trail reaches Cavallopoli passing over the mountain ridge, where it is possible to overnight in an ancient pastillaro (building where locals used to store and prepare chestnuts) recently restored. From here hikers will reach a valley full of watercourses, possibly the original location of the first settlements of Sersale. The trail passes by the monolith Petra A’giellu and goes up a rock and musk track until the water spring of “Ciurrumele”. One last gravel road followed by a paved road will lead hikers to the city centre of Sersale.
Brief historical overview
Norman Douglas, writer of the book “Old Calabria”, describes Gariglione as “an authentic urwald or virgin jungle, untouched by mankind.” .We recommend a visit to the ex Forest Rangers’ station, founded on the same site of “Casina dei Tedeschi” (starting point of many different trails).
Petra du Ravazzu
Sersale is a city of the Presila catanzarese founded on the 3rd of August 1620 by a group of 13 settlers from Serrastretta. The settlers received part of the Zagarise-feud of Baron Francesco Sersale (hence why the city was named after him). But the origins of Sersale are much more ancient, as attested by a number of Greek and Roman records and Italo-Greek monasteries, such as the monasteries of “Santi Tre Fanciulli”, “Santa Maria della Sana” and “San Nicola”. In the area of Monacaria are few small remains of the Monastero Forense di Santa Maria d’Acquaviva, built in 1194 by Gioacchino da Fiore and disciple Pietro da Cosenza. It is recommended to pay a visit to the Riserva Naturale Regionale Valli Cupe, defined by Belgian naturalist John Bouquet as “the best well-kept secret in Europe”. The natural reserve features canyons, centuries-old trees, monoliths and waterfalls. Pasta with potatoes is the most typical local dish. Large local productions of chestnuts, mushrooms and sweets such as the pittanchiusa and Easter pizzas. Main events in Sersale: the celebrations of the Madonna del Carmelo on the 15th and 16th of July, and the festival “Once upon a time in a village” on the 4th of August, to discover ancient crafts, art, music and flavours from the past.
Trail Ciurrumele Sersale
Map and elevation profile
Further information
Guide of reference for the stage: Alfonso Pappalardo +39 333 3908012
[Sersale]
Cooperativa RAGA – guide – tel. +39 327 2461569 –
Pro Loco Sersale – tel. +39 0961 936842 –
Comune Sersale – tel. +39 0961 930911 – sito web: www.comune.sersale.cz.it
Where to sleep
[Buturo (Stopover Gariglione-Sersale)]
B&B – La Pecora Nera – tel. +39 339 4222531 – mail: info@villaggiobuturo.com
[Sersale]
B&B – La Roccia – tel. +39 333 6988835 – mail: studiolupiacarmine@libero.it
Extra: not verified
[Sersale]
B&B – Cinquemme – tel. +39 338 3601942 – mail: cinquemme.it@gmail.com
B&B – La Locandiera – tel. +39 339 7527086 – mail: rosariacatanzaro93@gmail.com
B&B – Colle Angaro – tel. +39 340 9570318 – mail: prenotazione.colleangaro@gmail.com
Scattered hotels – Locazione Turistica Le Patelle – tel. +39 349 2863504 – mail: donatella _tarantino@yahoo.it
Where to eat
[Buturo (Stopover Gariglione-Sersale)]
B&B – La Pecora Nera – tel. +39 339 4222531 – mail: info@villaggiobuturo.com
[Zagarise]
B&B – Villaggio Grechi* Open only in summer – tel. +39 9611956790 – mail: info@villaggiogrechi.it
Extra: not verified
[Sersale]
Farmhouse – Carrozzino Di Torchia Rosa – tel. +39 331 2976855
Farmhouse – Contrada Carrozzino – tel. +39 0961 936355
Pub – Pub Il Bistrot – tel. +39 333 5441325
Pub – Pub Royal – tel. +39 331 7388476
Restaurant – L’aurora – tel. +39 339 7694905
Restaurant – Casa Grande – tel. +39 0961 936341
Restaurant – Home Restaurant – tel. +39 339 7527086
Restaurant – Il Baroncino – tel. +39 333 4161281
Restaurant – Pizzeria Da Serafino – tel. +39 339 1229105
Restaurant – Pizzeria La Piazzetta – tel. +39 339 6952795
[Zagarise]
Bar – Tana Del Lupo* Open only in summer
Restaurant – La Trota (Laghetto)* Open only in summer
With thanks to Regione Calabria for the Contribution to the project.
Last update: 2021-12-30
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Project realised with the contribution of Regione Calabria
Project realised with the contribution of Regione Calabria
