Bivongi – Stilo – Pazzano (Monte Stella)

The stage is an historical, cultural and naturalistic trail across the villages of Bivongi, Stilo (one of the “I borghi più belli d’Italia”) and Pazzano. The three hamlets represent the “Vallata bizantina dello Stilaro” (Byzantine Valley of the Stilaro), so called due to the presence of many hermitages and monastic caves chosen by Basilian monks for their spiritual silence. Many artisans were trained in these areas full of natural resources: from the extraction and manufacturing of iron under Mount Consolino, to the processing of silkworm and broom for textile.

Stilo and slopes of Mount Consolino

Area

Serre

Difficulty

E – Accessible by MTB until Pazzano, then it is necessary to continue onto the SP9 in order to reach Eremo di Monte Stella by bike.

Distance

10,5 km

Travel time

4 – 6 hrs

Start

Bivongi

Finish

Pazzano (Monte Stella, 680m)

Difference in altitude

↑ 600m ↓180m

Accessible

From April to November

Springs and fountainheads with waypoint

No

River/fiumare crossing (waypoint)

No

Route

Brief historical overview

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”).

“Paradise” by Giovan Battista Caracciolo

​The origins of Stilo date back to in the VI century and the first settlements of “Stilida”. From the VII century onwards, small communities of hermit monks begun residing in “laure”, natural caves of Mount Consolino (such as the cave of the Angel or the cave of the Divine Shepherdess), thus starting off the Byzantine phase that saw the construction of the most important building of the area: the Cattolica of Stilo. The city centre of Stilo shows features of a Medieval fortified citadel even today: it is possible to make out the remains of old city walls and towers among the houses of the centre. The city had up to nineteen churches in 1783, but most were destroyed by earthquakes and replaced with houses.

Stilo is renowned for the “Palio di Ribusa”, an historical Renaissance festival held on the first weekend of August where visitors can taste local delicacies (such as zeppole, porchetta sandwiches, roasted corn) and return back in time when Stilo used to rule over Stignano, Riace, Camini, Pazzano and Guardavalle. Another popular event in Stilo is the “Settimana Santa” (Holy Week), featuring centuries-old processions, preparation and blessing of traditional bread (the guccedata) and Easter sweets. During winter time, locals celebrate the “Immacolata” (Immaculate Conception): a big bonfire is organised at 4am in front of the church of S. Giovanni il Nuovo and typical sweets are eaten – such as the pitte di San Martino and the chjinule, with dried fruits and vino cotto. Other traditional local dishes include pickled olives, also known as ‘llivi cumbitè, aubergine meatballs and home made pasta.

Bivongi: Piazza del Popolo

Pazzano was renowned for its mineral resources since the times of Magna Graecia. Some of the old mines’ entrances are still visible in the area. The main mineral extracted here was limonite, which was then sent to the ironworks of Ferdinandea and Assi for manufacturing. On the first Sunday of August, local people celebrate the festivity of the “Santo Salvatore”, connected to the Byzantine past of the valley. Among the most typical dishes of Pazzano (on top of the traditional peasant cuisine of cured meat, cheese and olives) are pasta with chickpeas (prepared during the festival of San Giuseppe) and home made pasta.

Pazzano seen from Mount Consolino

Map and elevation profile

Further information

Guides of reference for the stage: Giorgio Pascolo +39 327 0007533 and Emanuele Valenti +39 333 8205164

[Bivongi]

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

[Pazzano]

Comune Pazzano – tel. +39 0964 731090 – sito web: www.comune.pazzano.rc.it – mail: compaz@libero.it
Pro Loco Pazzano – tel. +39 0964 731090 – sito web: www.it-it.facebook.com/prolocopazzano
Altre informazioni Santuario di Monte Stella – tel. +39 347 3690956

Where to eat

Extra: not verified

[Pazzano]

Bar Pizzeria Glams – tel. +39 350 5717653
Santuario Monte Stella +39 347 3690956, +39 347 8935107, +39 328 3729377

[Stilo]

Restaurant – Pizza Smile – tel. +39 327 9874126
Restaurant – Il Castello – tel. +39 339 4643145 – mail: alfarano.mario@libero.it
Restaurant – L’istrione – tel. +39 328 7188434 – mail: listrionestilo@libero.it
Restaurant – La Quercia – tel. +39 366 2255906 – mail: ristorantelaquercia@live.it
Restaurant – Antichi Sapori – tel. +39 389 2878629

Last update: 2021-12-31