Overview
Built in the 15th century on an ancient Byzantine monastic site, the Sanctuary of Saint Mary of Arms stands on the slopes of Mount Sellaro at 1,015 m above sea level. Donated by the bishop of Cassano to the "Universitas Civium Circlarii" in 1517, the complex was used to house orphans and destitute people.
Cerchiara, which probably owes its name to the Greek word “kirkis” (boiling) in relation to the sulphur spring, offers the visitor a unique insight into the religious fervour that permeated these territories: the Convento degli Osservanti, the ruins of St Andrew's Monastery, the Church of Sant'Antonio and San Pietro, San Giacomo and San Francesco di Paola, are just some of the many testimonies of a people who, among these mountains, have always sought a profound link with the transcendent.
A path, climbing through dense vegetation, starts from the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Armi and reaches Mount Sellaro (1,439 m). A hike of about 4 hours that, with the assistance of park guides, leads to the discovery of one of the most eastern mountains of the Pollino Massif, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view.
Certainly worth a visit is the Cave of the Nymphs, whose sulphurous water with its rich curative properties has given rise to a spa for the treatment of various pathologies, and theBifurto Abyss, which was the location for Michelangelo Frammartino's film "Il Buco", in competition at the 78th Venice Film Festival in 2021.
You cannot leave the village without tasting the delicious and characteristic Cerchiara bread, which was selected by Slow Food for the Salone del Gusto in Turin and has been adopted by the Pollino Park as a typical product of this mountain area.
