Insights, stories, and curiosities about the Grecanic Area, one of the most fascinating and authentic parts of Calabria.In the wild heart of the Aspromonte mountains, not far from Roghudi Vecchio, stands one of the most evocative and mysterious rock formations of the Grecanic Calabria: the Rocca del Drago, locally known as "Rocca tu Dracu". This impressive natural monolith has a trapezoidal shape and appears as though it were sculpted by nature itself to resemble a mythological dragon.
Not far from the Rocca del Drago, in the same rugged and fascinating landscape of the Aspromonte mountains, lie the mysterious Milk Cauldrons, locally known as “Caddareddi”. These natural geological formations consist of seven rounded cavities, sculpted over time by the erosive power of water and weather.
The Borgo dell’Amendolea is an ancient settlement located in the municipality of Condofuri, in the Grecanic area of Calabria. This village, now largely uninhabited, stands on a hill overlooking the Amendolea riverbed, offering a striking view of the Aspromonte mountains and the Ionian Sea.
The Castello di Santo Niceto, also known as the Castle of Sant'Aniceto, is a Byzantine fortress located in the municipality of Motta San Giovanni, in the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria. Built between the late 10th and early 11th century, the castle stands on a hill at about 670 meters above sea level, overlooking the Strait of Messina.
The Roman Villa of Casignana, located in the Palazzi area of the municipality of Casignana (RC), is one of the most significant archaeological sites from the Roman era in Calabria. Discovered in 1963 during the construction of an aqueduct, the villa dates back to the 1st century AD and underwent significant renovation in the 4th century. It was subsequently abandoned in the 5th century but shows signs of activity until the 7th century.
The Chiesa di San Leo is located in the municipality of Bova, in the Grecanic area of Calabria. It was rebuilt in the 17th century on a pre-existing structure and features a Baroque style. The interior, with a single nave, is decorated with 19th-century stuccoes. In the central apse, there is the main altar, which houses a white marble statue of Saint Leo, created in 1582. On the sides of the nave, there are several chapels, including the one dedicated to the Patron Saint of Bova, dating back to 1722, which houses a silver statue of the Saint and his relics in a silver urn. The church represents an important religious and cultural landmark for the local community.
The Monastery of San Giovanni Theristis is an ancient monastic complex located in Bivongi, in the Vallata dello Stilaro, Calabria. Founded in the 11th century on the site of an earlier place of worship dedicated to the Itho-Greek monk Saint Giovanni Theristis, the monastery is a significant example of architecture blending Byzantine and Norman elements.
The Grotta della Lamia is a natural cave located in the municipality of Montebello Ionico, in the Grecanic area of Calabria. It opens at an altitude of about 910 meters on the side of a small valley, a tributary of the Vallone Spedia.
The Sentiero del Brigante is a long-distance hiking trail that stretches for about 140 kilometers through the Aspromonte and Serre mountains in Calabria. Created in 1989 by the Gruppo Escursionisti d'Aspromonte (GEA), the trail begins in Gambarie, a fraction of Santo Stefano in Aspromonte, and ends in Serra San Bruno or Bivongi-Stilo.
Monte Perre, at an altitude of 1,390 meters, is one of the most significant peaks of the Crinale degli Dei, located in the Aspromonte National Park. This ridge is known for its breathtaking landscapes and majestic oaks that cling to its rocks. The area is particularly appreciated by birdwatching enthusiasts, as it provides a prime spot for observing raptor migration, especially in autumn. The path leading to the summit of Monte Perre begins at the Zillastro pine forest, at 1,220 meters above sea level, offering spectacular views of the surrounding area.
The Fiumara dell’Amendolea is a river located in the province of Reggio Calabria, within the Aspromonte National Park. It originates near Montalto, at an altitude of approximately 1,805 meters, and stretches for about 68 kilometers before flowing into the Ionian Sea near Condofuri.
