Equipment needed:
– hiking backpack;
– Hiking boots (ankle high);
– waterproof windproof jacket;
– fleece or sweater to protect against the wind;
– Long and/or short hiking pants;
– Appropriate hiking clothing relative to the season and the altitudes you will reach;
– Water container of at least one liter.
Suggested equipment:
– sun hat;
– sunscreen;
– sunglasses;
– Light down jacket, wool hat and light gloves;
– Headlamp or flashlight;
– telescopic trekking poles.
Trekking in the Pollino National Park – Mount Sellaro and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Arms
Hike in the Pollino National Park, one of Italy’s largest protected areas, to Mount Sellaro, a trail that begins at the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Armi in Cerchiara di Calabria and climbs to the summit. This trail is one of the most scenic and picturesque in the Eastern Pollino, offering spectacular views of a variety of landscapes ranging from majestic mountains to the crystal clear sea of the Ionian coast.
Mount Sellaro takes its name from the characteristic saddle shape described by the pass between its summit and that of Mount Panno Bianco. Known as theforefront of the Pollino on the sea, it is the first peak with vertical walls to emerge from view by those looking at the mountain from the coast. Its imposing figure is a landmark visible from all over the area, a natural beacon that marks the boundary between the waters of the Gulf of Sibari and the mountainous interior of the Park.
Starting from the Shrine of Our Lady of Arms, a place of great religious and spiritual importance to the local community, the trail begins among beech and fir forests. As you climb, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging, but the effort is amply rewarded by the beauty of the views on the horizon. The trail traverses a variety of ecosystems, with a wealth of local flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Apennine wolf andgolden eagle.
Once you reach the summit of Mount Sellaro, the view is simply unforgettable. From the summit, one can admire in all its magnificence the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Armi, which appears as a small corner of spirituality surrounded by greenery. The eye then moves to the entire Pollino massif, which stretches majestically in all directions, offering an unparalleled natural spectacle. The panorama also includes the Gulf of Sibari, where the blue of the sea blends with the deep green of the forests and mountain peaks, creating a breathtaking contrast.
The trail not only offers visual excitement, but is also a journey into the heart of the Pollino, where history, religiosity and nature meet. The area around the sanctuary is rich in historical traces, including remains of ancient monasteries and hermitages, which tell of the centuries-long presence of monks in these mountains. The walk to Mount Sellaro is an opportunity to connect with the wilderness of the park, but also to reflect on the spirituality that this place embodies.
