The Way of St Francis of Paola: the Hermit's Way

The route starts from the Sanctuary of St Francis in Paterno Calabro, the second after that in Paola, built by the saint himself in 1472. From this sanctuary, the route leads into the nature and picturesque villages of the Serre Cosentine (passing through Dipignano, Carolei and Mendicino) until it reaches Cerisano, which is the end point of this first stage. Cerisano lies at the foot of Monte Cocuzzo and is a characteristic historic town. We are immersed in an unspoilt landscape, where you can set off on mountain hikes along plateaus with large beech and chestnut forests.

From the narrow streets of Cerisano, you climb a mountain path that offers splendid panoramic views of the Acquabianca Plateau and Masseria Silo, with broad meadows dotted with limestone rocks, small farms and crops. Then there is a long descent through beech, fir and chestnut forests, taking the "Hermit’s Way" across the Ponte delle Fiumicelle to the town of San Fili, where the statue of St Francis welcomes pilgrims with open arms. The charm of the historic centre, perched on three hills and embellished with numerous churches, is ideal for a visit in pursuit of Gothic legends and sights to photograph.

From San Fili, there is a steep climb up to the vast beech forests of Bosco Luta, crossing over the coastal range and then descending down the western side. The final stage of the Hermit's Way leads to the beautiful Sanctuary of St Francis in Paola. The Sanctuary overlooks a large panoramic square: the main entrance is on the right and leads to the modern basilica, inaugurated for the Great Jubilee in 2000, and to the "Fonte della Cucchiarella", a miraculous spring from which pilgrims draw water. Continuing on, you come to the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge) and the small hermitage where the saint spent his youth. The ancient basilica, in Romanesque style, dates back to the 16th century and has a single aisle with a chapel housing the relics of St Francis of Paola (vestments and bone fragments). Here, at the end of the Way, you receive the Testimonium, the document confirming completion of your pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of San Francesco di Paola, exactly as happens in Compostela, at the end of the Way of St James.