Bianco – Samo

The stage leads hikers from Bianco, land of the Greco wine, to Samo (village on a rocky cliff over the ancient ruins of Precacore). The trail passes through Casignana, where are fascinating mosaics of a Roman Villa. Hikers will have a clear view of all the different landscapes that from the Costa dei Gelsomini extend to the Aspromonte Massif..

Ancient village of Precacore

Area

Locride

Difficulty

E – Also accessible via MTB

Distance

18 km

Travel time

6 – 9 hrs

Start

Bianco

Finish

Samo

Difference in altitude

↑ 736m ↓440m

Accessible

All year round

River/fiumare crossing (waypoint)

In the small village of Casignana

River/fiumare crossing (waypoint)

Across Vallone Acqua Fredda

Route

The trail allows visitors to discover the charm of these valleys. Many wines are produced here, such as the Greco di Bianco, one of the oldest wines in the world. Moving uphill on the ridges, on the right hand side of Fiumara Bonamico, hikers will admire all the different landscapes that from the Costa dei Gelsomini extend to the Aspromonte Massif. The ancient villages reveal their rough, centuries-old beauty: like Casignana, on the road to Samo.

Brief historical overview

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.

“Vally of the Great Rocks”

Casignana is a village located half way between the sea and the mountains with an interesting historical, cultural and naturalistic heritage. Among the most fascinating monuments to visit are: the Roman Villa in the quarter of Palazzi, on the coast; the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista and the ruins of the ancient Chiesa Matrice in the old village. Celebrations for the Patron Saint of the village, San Rocco, are held on the 16th and 17th of August.

Ancient village of Casignana

Samo’s current city centre was built following the destruction of the ancient village of Precacore during the 1908 earthquake. It is located just under the rocky spur where are the ruins of the ancient village, which was called with its oldest name of “Samo”. Folk celebrations for the Patron Saint of the village, San Giovanni Battista, are held from the 20th to the 29th of August. Along the trail that takes to the village of Precacore, throughout the 9 days preceding the birth of the Saint (24th of June) and the 9 days following its martyrdom (24th of August), it is possible to see groups of worshippers walking to the Shrine of San Giovanni Battista barefoot, to fulfil ex-votos (votive offerings). The Shrine of San Giovanni Battista features remains of a fresco of the Madonna Nera.

Ancient village of Casignana

Precacore sits on a arduous rock 20 minutes away on foot from the city centre of Samo. As the trail moves uphill along the slopes of the mountain towards the village, hikers will be able to admire the marvellous landscape of the fiumara La Verde, the peaks of the Aspromonte Massif, and the Locride. On the trail along the hill are many low reliefs (donated by various families of Samo) illustrating the Stations of the Cross and other religious scenes. The track continues until a large open space where an altar, dedicated to the Patron Saint, San Giovanni Battista, has been erected. The altar has been entirely caved into the rock. The aforementioned church of San Giovanni Battista and the Chiesa di San Sebastiano, both featuring ancient frescos and remains of Greek/Byzantine tradition, are well worth a visit.

Ancient village of Precacore Samo

Map and elevation profile

​Further information

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

[Samo]

Comune Samo – tel. +39  0964 977022 –  web: www.comune.samo.rc.it – mail: protocollo@comune.samo.rc.it
Pro Loco  Pitagora – Samo – tel. +39  0964 977022 –

Where to sleep

[Bovalino Superiore]

B&B – Rosa Di Calabria – tel. +39 392 9586782 – mail: rosadicalabria2014@gmail.com

Extra: not verified

[Bianco]

Hotel – Hotel Maria – +39 0964 911233, +39 389 5981514 – mail: hotelmariabianco@libero.it

[Samo]

Scattered hotels – Cooperativa  Aspromonte – tel. Tiziana+39 320 8188339, Vincenzo +39 347 8657083 – mail: coopaspromonte@gmail.com

Last update: 2021-12-31