Gerace – Bovalino Superiore

The stage starts in Gerace, one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia”, and leads hikers between the Riviera dei Gelsomini and the Aspromonte Mountains. Along the road is the imposing Monte Tre Pizzi (with a convent siting on its peak dating back to the 11th century, once a hermitage site for Basilian monks) and the Dente della Magara (“Magara’s Teeth”) – the name probably derives from a monster said to inhabit the forests of the area, related to the Greek Nereids. The trail finally reaches Bovalino Superiore passing by the ruins of the Shrine of the Madonna della Grotta and the characteristic houses of Benestare. The Shrine was built in the 16th century inside a cave perched upon a steep cliff, accessible (before the collapse of the structure) only via 141 steps carved in rock that worshippers used to go down to on their knees. The Chiesa Matrice of Bovalino Superiore is dedicated to the Madonna della Neve and San Nicola di Bari and features a picturesque crypt.

Gerace

Area

Aspromonte Orientale, fascia Ionica

Difficulty

E – Also accessible by MTB. Critical point at Benestare (signalled with waypoint). Alternative route available for hikers wishing to avoid bottleneck.

Distance

25,5 km

Travel time

7 – 9 hrs

Start

Gerace

Finish

Bovalino Superiore

Difference in altitude

↑ 837m ↓1077m

Accessible

All year round

Springs and fountainheads with waypoint

Yes

River/fiumare crossing (waypoint)

Yes

Route

The trail starts in Gerace. After a few hundred meters along the way is the Gotta di Cavuria, where a Roman helmet was found. On the opposite side of the fiumara San Paolo (featuring spectacular gorges towards the mountain-side) is an ancient millstone of Greek/pre-Greek era used in the past to press the grapes and decant must. The trail then passes by two unique rock formations. On the right is the majestic Monte Tre Pizzi, one of the most beautiful mountains of the Parco Nazionale d’Aspromonte – the name probably derives from its shape, resembling three fingers. On its peak is a convent dating back to the 11th century, once a hermitage site for Basilian monks.

On the left is the peculiar “Dente della Magara”: according to local folklore, there is a “magara”, or something akin to a “maga” (witch) – probably related to the Greek Nereids – a monstrous creature roaming in the forest and known locally as an “anarada” (Greek-Calabrian dialect). Hikers will have a clear view of the Riviera dei Gelsomini on one side and the Aspromonte Massif on the other – with the magnificent Pietra Cappa, one of the greatest monoliths in Europe. At the foot of the monolith is the site “Rocce di San Pietro”, where Basilian monks used to pray in ascetic silence.

The trail then passes near Bombile, where the Shrine of the Madonna della Grotta used to stand (one of the most important Marian devotion sites of the province). The cave where the small 16th century Augustinian monastery was founded has collapsed and is no longer accessible, but the white marble statue (attributed to Gagini) has been recovered and placed in the Chiesa dello Spirito Santo. Past San Nicola di Ardore and the village of Ardore, hikers will reach Benestare and its characteristic houses made of plaster (extracted from nearby abandoned quarries). The final stop is Bovalino Superiore.

Brief historical overview

Gerace is one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” and hosts an extremely valuable artistic, architectural and naturalistic heritage. The ruins of the Norman Castle tower above the cliff. The most majestic building is the XI Century Cathedral, with annexed the episcopal palace (seat to a rich diocesan museum). The “Square of the Three Churches” is very picturesque and includes: the Chiesa del Sacro Cuore, the Chiesa di S. Francesco (13th century) and the Chiesa di San Giovannello (orthodox rite). The Moresque double-arched windows, the noble palaces, the Piazza Del Tocco and the Monastero di S. Anna are all located along the main street leading to Porta del Sole (Gate of the Sun): from here is a great panoramic viewpoint onto the Locride – from Punta Stilo to Capo Bruzzano. The archaeological site of Locri Epizefiri is 8km away and features museums, temples, an amphitheater and a commercial district.

Monolith along the trail

The small village of Bovalino Superiore has a centuries-old history still visible in its alleys, palaces, churches and the ancient Norman Castle now in ruins. Another highly interesting building on top of the castle is the Chiesa Matrice dedicated to the Madonna della Neve and San Nicola di Bari: the three-nave structure features a picturesque crypt oldest than the church itself. The celebrations in honour of Maria SS. Immacolata are held from the 6th to the 8th of September. On the last day of the celebrations the local community gathers around the simulacrum of the Virgin Mary and starts a procession along the small alleys of the city centre. .

Monte Tre Pizzi

Map and elevation profile

Further information

Guide of reference for the stage: Ass. Il Boschetto Fiorito – Nicola Pelle +39 320 7564901

[Bovalino Superiore]

Pro Loco Bovalino Superiore – tel. +39 348 8531981 – sito web: www.facebook.com/proloco.bovalino – mail: prolocobovalino@gmail.com
Comune Bovalino Superiore – sito web: www.comune.bovalino.rc.it

Where to eat

[Ciminà – Stopover]

Restaurant – Contrada Carrozzino – tel. +39 961936355 – mail: defazio70@hotmail.it

Last update: 2021-12-31