Marian Path of Pollino: Trail 3

Morano Calabro is one of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, known as "the nativity scene of Pollino" due to the characteristic appearance of its historic centre. Churches, convents, palaces, narrow streets and fairytale views: this village is a treasure trove of art and history. Walkers will soon discover this as they stroll through the narrow streets, from the Norman Castle to the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena (which houses two marble sculptures by Pietro Bernini), to the archaeological site of Sassone, located on a panoramic hill.

We set off again towards San Basile, a small village of Albanian origin that jealously preserves Arbëreshë rituals and traditions. The olive groves remind us that it is called the City of Oil because of its production of Bruzio DOP extra virgin olive oil. In the historic centre, there are several buildings of historical and architectural interest, such as the Shrine of Santa Maria Odigitria, the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Don Cicillit Chapel.

This village bears the memory of Turkish pirate attacks in its name, and its urban layout is in fact Arab-Turkish in style. There is more than one reason why this stage of the Marian Path of Pollino is an experience to remember. In the historic centre of Saracena, there are churches and chapels to visit, and don't miss the Museum of Sacred Art, which also houses paintings, reliquaries and important archival documents. It is the land of Moscato, a wine with an intense aroma and a strong flavour.

Enchanting landscapes, green valleys, places where the call of the sacred is in the air. The Marian Path of Pollino stops in Firmo, an Arbëreshë village that jealously preserves its traditions and the rites of the Orthodox Church. We will stop at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo, which surprises visitors with its imposing wooden iconostasis. Then it's time to discover the typical cuisine and wines produced from the native Magliocco and Gaglioppo grape varieties.

It's time to immerse yourself in the magic of this town, rightly considered one of The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Overlooking the Crati Valley, the Sibari Plain and the Pollino mountains, Altomonte is also famous for its art of bread-making and for the atmosphere that pervades the historic centre, where time seems to have stood still. This is also thanks to its imposing Norman Castle, located at the highest point of the village. The tour also includes a visit to the splendid Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione and the Dominican Convent.

Another Albanian-speaking community awaits the walkers: Lungro is ready to reveal its unique features. Starting with the Cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra, rich in marvellous mosaics and with a magnificent central dome completely covered by Christ Pantocrator. The walking group will also visit the ancient Roman salt pans of Salgemma.

Here we are in another Arbëreshë municipality - Acquaformosa - rich in faith and traditions, located at an altitude of 750 metres. Here, nestled in the mountains, in a place that invites prayer and inner reflection, is the Shrine of Santa Maria del Monte, with its tuff statue of the Madonna breastfeeding, a work of art shrouded in legend. Worth visiting are the remains of the Cistercian Monastery dating back to 1195, the Church of St. John the Baptist, the Church of the Conception and the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows. There is no shortage of places where nature defines an atmosphere charged with sacredness and mystery, such as certain woods, the Loricato pines of Timpone del Pino and various springs.