Monte Stella – Sant’Ilarione

From the Hermitage of Santa Maria della Stella hikers will be able to reach another important site of historical value, echoing of the Byzantine cult: the Hermitage of Sant’Ilarione, in a panoramic stage across the valley of Precariti and Allaro.

View over the valley of the Stilaro

Area

Serre Orientali

Difficulty

E – Gravel roads for the first half of the trail, then a paved road. Accessible in MTB, on horse or donkey.

Distance

22 km

Travel time

6 – 9 hrs

Start

Pazzano (Monte Stella, 680m)

Finish

S. Ilarione – Caulonia

Difference in altitude

↑ 590m ↓1100m

Accessible

All year round

Springs and fountainheads with waypoint

Fontanella Chiappa

River/fiumare crossing (waypoint)

Fosso Attaccaro

Route

A panoramic stage across the valley of Precariti and Allaro, featuring Dolomite-like landscapes and many records of a region full of traditions, such as dry stone walls (UNESCO intangible heritage) and remains of old farmers’ housing. From the Eremo di Santa Maria della Stella it is possible to reach another important site of historical value, echoing of the Byzantine cult: the Eremo di Sant’Ilarione. From the square of the Eremo di Santa Maria della Stella (Pazzano) starts the trail that runs through the ridge of Mount Mammicomito on a mule track: this was the ancient road used for many centuries by pilgrims visiting the Cave of Monte Stella. On the left side are cultivations of olives and citrus fruits, the most famous of all being the “bergamotto” (bergamot), typical of the area that goes from Guardavalle to Reggio Calabria. On the right side is a kind of calcareous rock that recalls a Dolomite-like sort of landscape. In spring time the trail is filled with colours thanks to the many wild flowers, such as spontaneous orchids. Following 4km of trails in the area of Titi, the paved road leads to the small hamlet of Valenti, in the valley of the Precariti river (typical Calabrian fiumara with a wide riverbed almost dry during summer time).

Upon crossing the pebbly riverbed, hikers will see the calcareous peaks of the Mammicomito towering over the valley. The trail continues via Campoli, a hamlet perched on a vertical rocky cliff, home to the first settlements of the area due to its proximity to the mineral deposits. On a gravel road that gradually descend towards the valley, hikers will reach the district of Calatrìa before crossing the Allaro river. In order to reach the Eremo Sant’Ilarione, it is necessary to walk along the riverside and walk up a track on the left hand side. The hermitage was founded by monks coming from the East and built on top of a granite spur. The 17-18th century construction is the result of building improvements to the original site. The hermits building (where it is possible to overnight – previous booking) goes along the full length of the complex, with the church and annexed sacristy to the East. Father Frèdèric Vermorel is currently looking after the hermitage and lives here in accordance with 3 basic principles: pray, work and hospitality.

Hermitage Sant’Ilarione

Map and elevation profile

Further information

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

[Caulonia]

Comune Caulonia – tel. +39 0964 860811 – web: www.comune.caulonia.rc.it – mail: sindaco@comune.caulonia.rc.it
Pro Loco Caulonia – tel. +39 339 3498002 – web: www.it-it.facebook.com/Pro-Loco-Caulonia-1445414525778396 – mail: prolococaulonia@gmail.com

Where to eat

[Caulonia-Sant’ilarione]

Religious hospitality – Santuario  Sant’ Ilarione – tel. +39 346 3225302 – mail: frederic.vermorel@gmail.com
Farmhouse   – Feudo Gagliardi – tel. +39 345 9164763 – mail: info@feudogagliardi.it – n.b.: it is about 11.3 km from Sant’ilarione

Extra: not verified

[Caulonia-Sant’ilarione]

Religious hospitality – Eremo Delle Quercie Santuario Di Crocchi Sorelle Di Gesù   – tel. +39 0964 80409 – n.b.: stopover located along the next stage Sant’ilarione – Gioiosa Ionica At 7.5 Km From Sant’ilarione

Last update: 2021-12-31