EAST-WEST TRAILS IN THE GREEN HEART OF EUROPE
Basilian Way: between faith and biodiversity
Among valleys, mountains and historic centers, a journey through the centuries and cultures that have made the history of one of the greenest regions in Europe. A path from the East to the West that winds between monasteries, churches and fortresses in paths immersed in mountains and wooded plateaus from which you can see the wonderful Mediterranean landscape.
The route includes a level of hikers (not just tourists) as each stage involves about 25/30 km walk. The route is suitable for both walking and mountain biking.
Day by day (6 days and 5 nights):
Day 1: Welcome!
Arrival in the early afternoon and reception in Locri at the eco-Ostello LOCRIDE, eco-residence model of social and environmental sustainability realized in a property confiscated and managed by GOEL - Cooperative Group. Check-in and accommodation in double or twin rooms. Before dinner, meeting of presentation of the itinerary and GOEL - Cooperative Group, community of people, companies and social cooperatives that works for change and redemption of Calabria.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Bivongi – Stilo – Pazzano (10.5 Km 4-6 hours)
Breakfast and departure for Bivongi. From here begins a route, interesting from the historical and cultural point of view, that crosses the villages of Bivongi, Stilo and Pazzano, which constitute the "Byzantine Valley of Stylaro", named after the presence of hermitages and monastic caves chosen by the Basilians for their spiritual silence.
During the route you can admire the ruins of ancient mills and the natural beauty of the area. Reached Stilo, visit the birthplace of the philosopher Tommaso Campanella and Cattolica, a Byzantine monument of great historical and artistic importance, symbol of the city.
Packed lunch, during the excursion, with basket provided by eco-Hostel.
In the afternoon, continue to Pazzano with the visit of the Hermitage of Monte Stella, through a forest of holm oaks. The place, inhabited since before the Saracen invasions, over time has transformed from a hermitage of the Byzantine church to a sanctuary of the Catholic church. Return to eco-hostel, dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Pazzano – Sant’Ilarione (22 km 6-9 hours)
Breakfast and departure for Pazzano, from where the excursion will start to reach the Hermitage of Sant'Ilarione, through a panoramic route between the Valley of Precariti and Allaro, dominated by Dolomite landscapes and testimonies of an ancient Calabria, rich in dry stone walls and remains of peasant dwellings.
Packed lunch, during the excursion, with basket provided by eco-Hostel.
At the end of the excursion, return to eco-hostel and time available.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Sant’Ilarione – Gioiosa Jonica (24 km 8-9 hours)
Breakfast and departure for Sant'Ilarione. Visit of the Santuario Maria Santissima di Crochi and the Eremo delle Querce, with adjoining laboratory of iconography of the Basilian nuns. From here will begin the excursion, during which you can meet a specimen of monumental elder and woods of oak and holm oaks, to reach Gioiosa Jonica, medieval town, famous for its noble palaces, churches and the thermal complex of Villa Romana del Naniglio.
Packed lunch, during the excursion, with basket provided by eco-Hostel.
For dinner, transfer to Martone at the restaurant "La Collinetta", awarded with the Slowfood spiral for its commitment to enhancing the raw materials of the territory and renowned for its menu at kilometer zero. The restaurant uses raw materials from its own farm, a member of GOEL Bio.
Return to eco-hostel and overnight.
Day 5: Gioiosa Jonica – Gerace (17 km 6-8 hours)
Breakfast and departure for Gioiosa Jonica. From here begins the excursion that passes through Agnana and the Basilian Sanctuary of Our Lady of Prestarona, dating back to before the year Thousand. The tour is very panoramic and shaded by holm oaks and cork oaks.
Packed lunch, during the excursion, with basket provided by eco-Hostel.
In the afternoon, continue the route until you reach Gerace. Guided tour of the famous medieval town episcopal seat since ancient times, whose artistic heritage is preserved in the Minor Basilica, an imposing Byzantine-Norman building and in the adjoining diocesan museum that also houses the famous Flemish tapestry by Jan Leyniers. The visit will include the Norman Castle and the artisan workshops of the master ceramists. Dinner in a typical restaurant.
Return to eco-hostel and overnight.
Day 6: Goodbye!
Breakfast. Final meeting with GOEL - Cooperative Group. Check out and transfer to the airport.
