San Donato di Ninea - Policastrello - Sanctuary of Pettoruto - Grotta della Monaca
We begin our itinerary by tackling the most mountainous and difficult route, as it has considerable altitude differences, but it will certainly reward us with its breathtaking views.
From San Donato di Ninea (658 m), skirting Policastrello, an ancient fortress town (Polis-Castron) of medieval origins, located about 400 m above sea level, you soon reach San Sosti (360 m), a village that crosses Sentiero Italia U29. Following the SP125 for 3.7 km, we reach the splendid Sanctuary of the Madonna del Pettoruto. Located in a wonderfully impervious position on the slopes of Orsomarso at 600 m above sea level, this highly venerated place of worship has been attracting worshippers from all over since the mid-15th century. From here, the gaze sweeps over grandiose panoramas that taste of authenticity.
Back in San Sosti, we continue towards Sant'Agata di Esaro and from here, in a short time, we reach the site of the Grotta della Monaca and that of Tesauro and the nearby prehistoric mines, counted among the oldest evidence of mining activity in Europe.
Sant'Agata of Esaro - Ferramonti - Bisignano
From Sant'Agata of Esaro, the track follows the SP263 to reach the town of Scivolenta and continue along the SP115, towards Malvito.
At the junction with the Ciclovia dei Parchi, at km 10, continue in the direction of Pianette di Roggiano on SP123. Here we continue to cycle downhill along the Esaro river, surrounded by the many vineyards and olive groves of this gentle and fertile land.
After passing Roggiano Gravina, we descend along the SP270 to reach Ferramonti di Tarsia (60 m) and, after stopping for a visit to the Museo della Memoria (Museum of Memory), we ascend slightly through a long flat stretch to the historic centre of Bisignano (304 m), home to one of the oldest dioceses in Calabria, the Santuario di Sant'Umile and the ceramists' and luthiers' quarters.
