Sersale – Sellia Superiore

The stage moves along the Presila Catanzarese, where hikers will be able to visit the enchanting nature reserve of Riserva Naturale Valli Cupe and admire panoramic views of the Gulf of Squillace from the village of Sellia.

Zagarise Vallata fiume Simeri

​Area

Presila catanzarese

Difficulty

E – Also accessible via MTB

Distance

17,9 km

Travel time

5 -7 hrs

Start

Sersale

Finish

Sellia Superiore

Difference in altitude

↑ 950m ↓ 1200m

Accessible

All year round

Springs and fountainheads with waypoint

Yes

River/fiumare crossing (waypoint)

Torrente Ervavulo e fiume Simeri

Route

The trail starts at the Tourist Information Centre of Sersale and heads for Zagar-ise passing by the area od Cipino, a small ancient village where is the Church of Santa Maria di Acquaviva. The trail goes downhill through a chestnut forest and olive groves, passes by the access road leading to the Cascata dell’Inferno (Inferno Waterfall) and arrives in a valley where hikers will be able to admire the ruins of an old mill. On this stretch of the trail, hikers will cross the lands where the people of the ancient city of Barbaro used to live. Before crossing the Ervaruolo stream, looking southward, are beautiful panoramic views onto areas still bearing the names of Orlando and his paladins (whose legendary deeds are passed down from father to son orally). The trail moves onto the other river bank leaving behind some rare examples of Eastern plane trees until it reaches Zagarise. Along the road, hikers will be able to see on the right hand side the small village of Casaglie with its ancient church. Following a small stretch of paved road, the trail goes back downhill towards the valley, leading to the riv-erbed of the Simeri river. Upon crossing the river, hikers will be at the foot of the mountain of village of Sellia. Hikers will reach the city centre of Sellia Su-periore after the climb (a fairly demanding difference in altitude).

Brief historical overview

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.

Zagarise Valley of river Simeri

The village of Sellia, thanks to its great location, offers great panoramic viewpoints on the Golfo di Squillace and Presila catanzarese. The ruins of the Medieval castle are still visible in the highest part of the village. One of the main tourist attraction is the Adventure Park “Il Borgo Sospeso” (the “suspended village”), where visitors can “fly” on a zip line hanging between the park and the city centre for 500m. Walking around the small alleys, it is possible to visit museums, the parish of San Nicola di Bari (featuring a 17th century marble “Pietà”) and the Chiesa del S.S. Rosario (XVII century).

Sersale: panoramic view

Map and elevation profile

Further information

Guida di riferimento per la tappa: Alfonso Pappalardo +39 333 3908012

[Sellia]

Comune Sellia – tel. +39 0961 483049 – sito web: www.comune.sellia.cz.it
Zagarise Associazione A.P.S. Asperitas – tel. +39 333 4462166 – web: www.facebook.com/Asperitas – mail: associazioneasperitas@gmail.com

Where to eat

[Zagarise]

Restaurant – Il Borgo Antichi E Nuovi Sapori – tel. +39 331 6536412
Restaurant – Locanda La Pecora Nera Albi – tel. +39 339 4222531 – mail: info@villaggiobuturo.com

Extra: not verified

[Sellia Superiore]

Farmhouse  – Digorà – tel. +39 3357293513
Restaurant – La Locanda Dei Cavalieri  – tel. +39 348 2629304

Last update: 2021-12-30