Bovalino Superiore – Bianco

The trail goes from Bovalino Superiore (with the Chiesa Matrice dedicated to the Madonna della Neve and San Nicola di Bari, featuring a picturesque crypt), across the characteristic houses made of plaster of Benestare, and arrives in Bianco, land of the Greco wine. Hikers will be charmed by the stunning beauty of the great monoliths of the “Vallata delle Grandi Pietre” (Valley of the Great Rocks)..

Interior of plaster-house

Area

Locride

Difficulty

E – Also accessible via MTB

Distance

26 km

Travel time

8 – 10 hrs

Start

Bovalino Superiore

Finish

Bianco

Difference in altitude

↑ 517m ↓719m

Accessible

All year round

River/fiumare crossing (waypoint)

In the quarters of Canale, Belloro and Jentile

River/fiumare crossing (waypoint)

The trail crosses the bridge of Fiumara Careri, the bridge of Fiumara Bonamico and, finally, the Vallone Acqua Fredda.

Route

The trail stars in Bovalino Superiore, where hikers will be able to visit the ruins of the Norman Castle and many churches. Along the trail to Bianco, the most interesting geological and naturalistic features are without a doubt the enchanting monoliths of the Vallata delle Grandi Pietre (Valley of the Great Rocks): Pietra Castello, Pietra Lunga, Pietra di Febo e Pietra Cappa, the latter being one of the biggest monoliths in Europe.

Brief historical overview

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. .

Bonamico Valley

The village of Benestare is very characteristic for the presence in its territory of many examples of a unique urban feature of the 1950s: houses made of plaster. Some of the houses are in a good state of preservation while others are now in ruins. These were very humble buildings linked to the production of gypsum and plaster, a common practice in the village up until the second half of the 20th century. Celebrations for the Patron Saint of the village, San Michele, are held on the 29th of September and lead up to the festivities in honour of Maria SS. Del Rosario on the 1st of October. The celebrations include the event “Catoja in Festa”, where visitors will be able to experience ancient local traditions and typical dishes.

Chiesa Matrice Bovalino Superiore

Bianco is the land of Greco wine (known as “Greco di Bianco”) a DOC straw wine of exceptional flavours. The most renowned and important celebration of the village is on the 15th of August, the day of the “Assunta” (Assumption of Mary), in honour of the Madonna di Pigliano, which attracts many pilgrims and visitors.

Bonamico Valley

Map and elevation profile

Further information

Guide of reference for the stage: Nunzio Mileto +39 347 6918660

[Bianco]

Comune Bianco – tel. +39 0964 911002 – web: www.bianco.asmenet.it – mail: protocollo.comunebianco.rc@asmepec.it

[Benestare]

Comune Benestare – tel. +39 0964 68032 – web: www.benestare.asmenet.it – mail: sindaco.benestare@asmepec.it
Pro Loco Benestare – tel. +39 340 6139651 – web: www.it-it.facebook.com/Pro-Loco-di-Benestare-100617956679587 – mail: mariacaminiti1960@gmail.com

Where to eat

Extra: not verified

[Bianco]

Farmhouse – Donna Beatrice – tel. +39 328 2347125 – mail: damiano.bonfa@gmail.com

Last update: 2021-12-31