Between legend and history

A looped-trail excursion, in a hilly area once used for the cultivation of fruit trees, olive groves and cereals. As evidence of this, the dry stone walls are still visible today, centuries-old works useful for terracing the sides of the hills to make it easier to use the land.

We will face a climb of low difficulty until reaching the ridge of “Cazzina“. From this panoramic point, it will be possible to see in the distance, “Pietra Cappa“, “Monte Tre Pizzi”, symbols of the Aspromonte National Park and the Riviera dei Gelsomini; on the other side you can see the Rupe di Gerace, Ropulà and the so-called “Petra Da Morti” toponym probably derived from the legend that a shepherd died there in an attempt to save one of his sheep.

This vantage point is ideal for taking panoramic photographs. From here the path becomes flat and proceeds westwards, towards the “Dente da Magara”; a rock formation, located in the Falcò district. This place, so impervious and sinister, is said to have been the favorite destination of a “magara” (sorceress), who used to go here to spin and weave in solitude. One day a farmer who was passing there, offended her and the witch, in response, exclaimed that by sheer luck at that moment she was holding a rosary in her hand, otherwise she would have thrown him a “magarìa” (curse). Since then, no one has dared to go there. But he remained stranded there, his “Poisoned Tooth“, in memory of the crime.

From here the path begins to descend, among the vegetation, typical of the Mediterranean scrub, along a small path used by farmers, to reach the different plots of land arranged in a terrace along the ridge. We will go down to the torrent in the locality “Dilica” where the “Parmenti” are still visible and well preserved. The “Parmentu” (Palmento) from the Latin “pavimentum”, consisted of tubs dug into the sandstone, one upper and one lower communicating with each other through a hole. The grapes were poured into the upper tank, the hole of which was filled with clay, pressed with the feet and left to rest there for a day and a night. Subsequently, after removing the clay cap, the must was left to flow into the lower tank. They are probably of Greek origin. The route comes to an end, skirting the stream of Gerace, until it reaches the starting point.

Duration: about 3 hours, possible stop for picnic with packed lunch at high altitude

Length: 7 km

Difficulty: medium / low

Clothing: comfortable, layered clothing, hiking shoes are recommended

Equipment: water, windbreaker and camera.