Serra San Bruno – Bivongi

The stage is rich both from a naturalistic and an industrial archeology perspective. The trail moves from the mountainous woodland landscape surrounding Serra San Bruno to the characteristic maquis shrubland. Hikers will be able to admire breathtaking views of the vallata dello Stilaro following the majestic Marmarico Waterfall, the highest in the Southern Appennino Mountain Range.

Stilo forest

Area

Serre

Difficulty

E

Distance

28,5 km

Travel time

8 – 12 hrs

Start

Serra San Bruno

Finish

Bivongi

Difference in altitude

↑ 690m ↓1200m

Accessible

From April to November

Springs and fountainheads with waypoint

Fontana S. Brunello
Fontana Casermetta “Calabria Verde” bosco di Bivongi

River/fiumare crossing (waypoint)

No

Route

Brief historical overview

Serra San Bruno exists thanks to Bruno di Colonia, monk and founder of the Order of Carthusians, that dedicated his life to the search for God and the construction of the Chartreuse of Santo Stefano. The village is structured around the city centre, also known as “Terravecchia”, and the newest city quarter of “Spinetto”. The latter was built following the 1783 earthquake that demolished most of the village and some of the monastery’s buildings, among which was also the Carthusian church of the convent. Only the 16th century granite facade stands today, memory of the majestic size of the original monastery. The village was also reconstructed thanks to the many artisans who managed to take advantage of the natural resources available in the area (such as wood, iron and granite) and create fine artworks for the decoration of the churches and town. The churches of Serra, in fact, still preserve numerous records of the glorious artistic past of this beautiful village.

I boari di Ferdinandea

The city centre of Bivongi underwent a vertical architectural development throughout the centuries, so much so that houses have up to five floors, often made up of a single room, linked together via external sets of stairways. All crammed together, the houses are separated by characteristic narrow alleys called “viniadi”. The village, however, isn’t short of imposing palaces, like the building belonging to ex land owners (even though, being part of the feud of the Chartreuse of Serra San Bruno, there was no “aristocracy” here per se). The Abbot of Serra San Bruno would come to Bivongi once a year to collect the taxes and take care of the most pressing issues. The people of Bivongi would organise a great market for the occasion. The same tradition is kept alive every summer with the festival “Mercato della Badia”, during which artisanal shops are opened and all ancient crafts are celebrated (such as silkworm weaving and broom manufacturing). It is also a chance to taste some of the most typical local dishes (like pasta with goat meat and zeppole) accompanied by exquisite DOC wines from the renowned vineyards of Bivongi. The people of Bivongi are worshippers of the Virgin Mary and they celebrate on the second Sunday of September the festivity called “Our Mother” (“Mamma Nostra”).

Monastery of San Giovanni Theristìs

Map and elevation profile

Further information

[Bivongi]

Comune Bivongi – tel. +39 0964 731185 – web: www.comunebivongi.it
Altre Informazioni Trekking Stilaro – tel. +39 333 8205164 – web: www.trekkingstilaro.org – mail: escursioni@trekkingstilaro.org
Pro Loco Bivongi – tel. +39 335 6223422 – web: www.prolocobivongi.com – mail: info@prolocobivongi.com

Where to eat

Extra: not verified

[Bivongi]

Restaurant – Trattoria Paninoteca Valenti Antonio – tel. +39 0964 731154
Restaurant – Pizzeria La Pietra – tel. +39 347 5187708
Restaurant – Millevoglie Bar – tel. +39 0964 731790

Last update: 2021-12-31