Sellia Superiore – Catanzaro

This stage of the Cammino Basiliano offers great panoramic views onto the Ionian Sea and the villages of the Presila catanzarese. The trail starts in the village of Sellia, crosses the Alli river and ends in the administrative centre of the Calabrian region (Catanzaro), where the flora and fauna of the Parco della Biodiversità Mediterranea amaze visitors from all over the world with their variety and uniqueness.

Ruins of the Sellia Castle

Area

Sila Piccola

Difficulty

E – Also accessible via MTB

Distance

14,6 km

Tempo di percorrenza

4-6 ore

Start

Sellia

Finish

Catanzaro

Difference in altitude

↑ 510m ↓ 663m

Accessible

All year round

Springs and fountainheads with waypoint

Yes

River/fiumare crossing (waypoint)

River Alli

Route

The trail starts from Sellia in Piazza “Tutù Mondelli” (wrought iron artist), then carries on towards the ruins of the Castle along Via Roma. It takes a right after the castle and passes a fountain and the Adventure Park “Il Borgo Sospeso”. It continues on a paved road (with the exception of a few gravel road crossings), goes by a votive niche with the sacred icon of the Virgin Mary and descends until the Alli’s river bed. It proceeds straight with the Alli river on the left until a small cement bridge. Hikers will cross the bridge, take the first paved road that intersects the SP25, follow the road to the left towards Ianò di Catanzaro until the roundabout, then take the direction for Pontegrande. After crossing the densely populated quarter of Pontegrande, passing by the Chiesa Maria Immacolata, hikers will continue straight through the quarter of Pontepiccolo (where is the Northern entrance of the Parco della Biodiversità Mediterranea), then Viale Papa Pio X, Via A. Cantafio (by the Catanzaro Fire Brigade Station) until the gardens of San Leonardo. Breathtaking views onto the Ionian Sea and villages of the Presila catanzarese along this trail to the city of Catanzaro.

Brief historical overview

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).

Panorama dal percorso

Catanzaro is the administrative centre of the Calabrian region. The city is perched onto three hills overlooking the Ionian Sea and the mountains of the Sila Piccola. The Viadotto Bisantis (ex Morandi) is a famous engineering work, a single reinforced concrete span, one of the highest in the world. The artistic and architectural heritage is well preserved in the historical churches and museums. It is imperative to pay a visit to the Parco della Biodiversità Mediterranea, one of the most beautiful parks in Italy, and to admire the view from the terrace of the monumental complex of San Giovanni. Hikers can have a taste of the typical local dish of Catanzaro, U Morzeddhu: veal meat offals with tomato sauce eaten with local pita bread and a good glass of red Calabrian wine.

Parco Bio Catanzaro

Map and elevation profile

Further information

Guide of reference for the stage: Marco Garcea +39 347 8051252

[Catanzaro]

Comune Catanzaro – tel. +39 0961 8811 –  web: www.comune.catanzaro.it/ambiente/turismo – mail: urp@comune.catanzaro.it
Pro Loco Catanzaro – tel. +39 0961 052458 –  web: www.proloco-catanzaro.org/ – mail: info@proloco-catanzaro.org

Where to eat

[Catanzaro]

Restaurant – Ceravolo  – tel. +39 340 3859190 – ceravoloristorante@gmail.com

Last update: 2021-12-30