Torre di Ruggiero – San Sostene – Satriano

The stage leads hikers from Torre di Ruggero to Satriano via San Sostene – a village deriving its name from the Saint whose relics were offered to local inhabitants by Basilian monks. Extraordinary views onto the Golfo di Squillace and the bay of Soverato under the shadows of majestic centuries-old chestnuts.

Wind farm with the Bay of Soverato and Gulf of Squillace on the background

Area

Serre

Difficulty

E – Also accessible via MTB

Distance

28,5 km

Travel time

10-12 ore

Start

Torre di Ruggiero

Finish

Municipio di Satriano

Difference in altitude

↑ 910m ↓1200m

Accessible

All year round

Springs and fountainheads with waypoint

Water available both at the start and at the end of the trail via small mountain fountains along the route

River/fiumare crossing (waypoint)

River Ancinale

Route

The itinerary is almost entirety in the shadow of chestnut forests, hazelnuts, acacia, reforestation of Pinus nigra laricio and mixed forests of white fir and beech tree, characteristic of the Serre area. The majestic nature of the Parco Naturale Regionale delle Serre, with its lush forests, fountains and streams, cre-ates an almost mystical kind of landscape. The fresh, clean air and the silence, (interrupted only by sounds of the forest) make this trail particularly evocative. Extraordinary views onto the Golfo di Squillace and the bay of Soverato in the shadow of majestic centuries-old chestnuts.

Brief historical overview

The first settlements of Torre di Ruggero, village founded by Ruggero il Nor-manno, were built around a tower (originally intended as a “farmhouse”). It is worth paying a visit to the Shrine of the Madonna delle Grazie and the ruins of the Convento Agostiniano, built in the 16th century and dedicated to Nostra Signora del Carmine. The village is part of the “Associazione Nazionale della Città della Nocciola” (National Association City of Hazelnuts).

Pic-nic area in the municipality of Cardinale

Part of the municipality of San Sostene falls within the Parco Naturale Regionale delle Serre (Natural Regional Park of Serre). The village derives its name from the Saint whose relics were offered to local inhabitants by Basilian monks. In the Chiesa Matrice dedicated to Santa Maria del Monte, at the heart of the village’s city centre, are frescos and 18th century paintings.

Forest landscape

Part of the municipality of Satriano, just like that of San Sostene, falls within the Parco Naturale Regionale delle Serre. The village is likely of Oenotrian origins, and has been an ancient settlement of Magna Graecia. It is worth paying a visit to the Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria d’Altavilla, of Byzantine origins, the Chiesa Arcipretale di San Teodoro, the Chiesa dei Riformati and the remains of the old mill in the area of Cantore, built in the traditional Calabrian water mills’ fashion.

Panoramic view of San Sostene

Map and elevation profile

Further information

Guide of reference for the stage: Gabriel Figliuzzi +39 339 7125954

[Torre di Ruggiero]

Comune Torre di Ruggiero – tel. +39 0967 93112 – web: www.comune.torrediruggiero.cz.it – mail: comune@comunetorrediruggiero.it

Where to eat

Extra: not verified

[Satriano]

Agriturismo – Masseria Petrella – tel. +39 347 0934871 – mail: info@masseriapetrella.it – n.b.: (5 Km away from the village)

Last update: 2021-12-31