The Brigand’s Paths
We retrace the steps of Italy’s most famous brigand. We enjoy the beauty of once inaccessible impervious places and let the view sweep embracing the Mesima Valley and the horizon from the northern arc of the Gioia Tauro plain to the Gulf of Lamezia Terme.
Route info
MUNICIPALITIES AFFECTED: Gerocarne (VV)
DEPARTURE: Location “Gagliolo” – Gerocarne (VV)
ARRIVAL: Location “Gagliolo” – Gerocarne (VV)
PATH TIMES: 2 hr 30 min branch A, 3 hr 45 min branch B, 5 hr 30 min branch C A/R
DISTANCE: 4.450 km branch A, 5.770 km branch B, 12 km branch C A/R
DEVELOPMENT: 242 m branch A, 322 m branch B, 490 branch C
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 756 m a.s.l.
MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 266 m above sea level.
TYPE: A and B circular, C linear
DIFFICULTY: medium-high
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Description
Multiple route, consisting of two circular and one linear, on dirt road for most of the way and challenging due to significant elevation changes and gradients especially in sections B and C. The trails have as their scenery the plateaus between Colaiello and Castania, the Morano forest rich in holm oaks and chestnut trees once enlivened by the presence of the activity of numerous charcoal burners and famous for having given refuge to the brigand Musolino and for the “Stone of Arms.” We reach Gerocarne from the A3 SA/RC freeway, exit Serre, continue on the SS 182 towards Soriano Calabro where we take the SP 60 towards Gerocarne, having reached Piazza Giovanni Paolo II we leave the car. Behind the Church of Santa Maria dei Latinis we walk along Via G. Berta, a short uphill stretch that, in just 5 minutes, will take us near a small pyramidal fountain in the locality of “Gagliolo.” We may notice on our left a road leading away from the built-up area: this is where our route begins. This first part of the route runs along an area once used for crops, fruit plants and vegetables; given the ample water supply of the Morano River, so-called “angre” can still be noticed in the bush. At the first intersection we keep left and in about 15 minutes we will reach a wooden bridge. At the next two intersections we turn first right and then left, leaving out the detour leading to the dam. From here, in a few minutes, we will be at the intersection for Stone of Arms.
Route A
Stone of Arms Ring
The path to the left that enters the forest descending to the Morano River will take us to the Pietra delle Armi picnic area in about 15 minutes. In this picturesque corner surrounded by greenery, dominated by the mass of “Pietra delle Armi,” we will be able to rest before embarking on the way back along the dirt road that follows the mountainside and that in about 20 minutes will take us to the intersection with the return route of section B. The dirt road is the old Ariola-Gerocarne municipal road that will take us back to the village in less than an hour.
Route B
Casermetta Castania Ring
As path A to Stone of Arms. From here we will have to undertake the ascent of an ancient path (about 1 km) immersed in the San Fili forest that will take us to the pine forest with picnic area, fountain and Casermetta in Castania locality, where we can stop before resuming the path on municipal road, a few minutes from the picnic area, which descends rejoining itinerary A near the Western Gate of the Serre Park.
Long route B
A/R Ariola Nursery
If we decide to opt for route C we continue uphill keeping, in the order of the intersections, these directions: right, left, right, right, left, right. Immediately after a cherry tree planting (we are already on the Colaiello plane) and a patch of pine trees, the dirt road will meet the municipal road that runs alongside the Ariola Nursery. We follow to the left and from here in 20 minutes we will reach the entrance.
THE STONE OF ARMS
A narrow wedge whose bottom is itself a staircase just like the succession of plateaus characteristic of this area. A high, craggy granite wall rises up on one side, unequal volumes suspended in the void and the thunderous roar of the Morano River water opening its way downstream. Popular legend has it that this was the place chosen as a hiding place by one of the most famous and controversial figures in Calabrian history: Giuseppe Musolino, Italy’s most famous brigand, whose story was the inspiration for many popular songs. The place owes its name to the discovery of some weapons, remains of axes and spearheads, dating back to the 10th century, which are now preserved in the Vibo Valentia Archaeological Museum.
THE LECCIO (Quercus Ilex)
As we ascend the dirt tracks that zigzag along the Morano River valley, on the ridge of the Morano and San Fili-Castania woods, on the flank of the Moranello forest, we will be surrounded by numerous specimens of holm oak or elk. This plant, typical of the Mediterranean basin, has had different, even opposing, values attributed to it over time on a symbolic level; given its proximity to the oak tree, a sprig of holm oak is present in the coat of arms of the Italian Republic as a symbol of strength but its sinister and austere form caused many to consider it suitable only for funeral rites. The wood of this plant is hard, compact and heavy, difficult to work with but excellent as fuel and for charcoal production. At one time this activity was widespread in these places, and it is not uncommon along these slopes to come across small farmyards, where charcoal kilns were erected.
THE VASAI
The materialization of an object from nowhere, the almost hypnotic movement of the hands, the sound of the lathe. Slow rhythms, an ancient art. Gerocarne has been among the most flourishing centers of figuline production in Calabria and among those that over time have maintained the closest continuity in the transmission of its secrets from generation to generation. The advance of modernity has also severely affected this production, which nevertheless survives thanks to the dedication of a few families. Let’s not miss the chance to witness clay modeling by local masters. We will have an experience that will not fail to fascinate us.
THE ARIOLA NURSERY
When we reach the crossroads where the 3 routes divide, we can opt for route C, a challenging section that will take us in about 2h to admire one of the beautiful forest nurseries of the Calabria Region: the Ariola nursery. The area covers about 12 hectares on the Colaiello plateau with enchanting views of the surrounding countryside and, in the distance, the sea. A pond, picnic areas and more than 300 varieties of plants await us; forest and ornamental species, shrubs, trees and grasses, a riot of colors to be admired for their beauty, a mixture of fragrances to delight in, from the intense and delicate aroma of wisteria to the sweet and penetrating aroma of linden. The nursery is managed by the operators of Calabria Verde, whose work is an important custodian of the biodiversity heritage of this land.