Mesoraca

Mesoraca stands on a rocky spur between two rivers, and its inaccessible location amplifies its charm and mystery. The historic centre of Mesoraca has ancient gateways to the town and a central square from which narrow streets branch off, embellished with churches and ancient, sumptuous noble palaces, such as those belonging to the Stranges, Longobucco and Pollizzi families.

The symbol of devotion that unites the community of Mesoraca and attracts pilgrims from all over the region is undoubtedly the Shrine of SS. Ecce Homo. Founded in the 4th century by Basilian monks and rebuilt by Franciscan friars in 1400, it has an internal garden and is surrounded by lush woodland. The statue that made the sanctuary popular dates back to the 17th century and is the work of Fra Umile da Petralia, who created the realistic wooden sculpture of Ecce Homo. The Shrine is well worth a visit as it is rich in numerous other works of art: statues, paintings, frescoes and sacred furnishings. The nave houses a series of paintings by Cristoforo Sant'Anna, and the high altar features the Madonna delle Grazie and two candle-bearing angels from 1504, made of Carrara marble. The cloister of the convent is also impressive, with a well and a bell tower topped with a spire.

Walking through the historic centre, one is fascinated by the details. The elegant 17th-century noble palaces with portals and balconies made of local limestone feature inlays and artistic designs. In addition to the Shrine, there are several churches to visit, such as the Mother Church of San Nicola di Bari, the Baroque-style Monumental Church of the Ritiro, the Church of the Annunziata and the Church of San Michele Arcangelo. Don't miss a visit to the Padre Reginaldo Tonin Civic Museum, which displays artefacts related to local history, rural life and the natural environment of the Sila.

In Mesoraca, there is a powerful connection with nature, which is linked to the religion and spirituality that permeates this place. It is always a pleasure to visit this village, but to discover its authentic soul linked to cults and traditions, it is good to know the dates of the main religious festivals: Ecce Homo, 8 March and 25 July, St Nicholas, 6 December, and the processions of Good Friday and St Michael the Archangel, 29 September. The village is lit up with lights during the traditional May Fair and 'Veranne in Festa', a food and wine festival held in August.

One of the main attractions in the Mesoraca area is the Vergari Regional Nature Reserve, which has hiking trails, pools and waterfalls around a river park with a unique ecosystem. It is an unspoilt area where rare black storks, hawks, sparrowhawks, buzzards, eagle owls and grey herons nest. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy a series of circular trails of varying degrees of difficulty, through centuries-old woods, crystal-clear springs and waterfalls.