Discover Martone

First consider whether nature, historic buildings, or a particular travel period is your main priority.

Rock formations and the Grotta dei Saraceni

The Stone of Sant’Anania is an irregularly shaped limestone monolith in the locality of Gujune in Martone. Pietre du monaceju, by contrast, refers to an area in Martone characterized by large rocks of unusual origin and shape. These two natural features differ in scale and form: one is centered on a single monolith, the other on an area of large rocks.

The Grotta dei Saraceni is a natural limestone cave in Contrada Gujuni or Gullune. It is a short distance from the bed of the Torrente Levadìo. Thus, alongside the monolith and the rocks, Martone’s varied natural attractions also include a cave and its connection to the riverbed.

Sant’Anania and the Torre Mazzoni

The Grotta dei Saraceni contains the remains of the ruined Basilian monastic oratory of Sant’Anania. A Basilian community near Martone founded the monastery of Sant’Anania between the 9th and 11th centuries. It served as a refuge for the town’s early Christians. The name Sant’Anania thus leads from the specific oratory in the cave to the monastery’s history and its role as a refuge. In this way, the cave combines its natural limestone formation with the remains of the monastic oratory.

At the Torre Mazzoni, the focus is on its architectural form. Its surviving remains feature a square structure, a sloping foundation, and four buttresses. Buttresses are supports attached to the outside of a wall to reinforce it. This makes it possible to identify three distinct aspects of the construction: its basic shape, foundation, and supporting elements. Those interested in historic buildings can describe the Torre using these specific features.

Forest and travel season

At higher elevations in Martone lies the Bosco del Principe, an area of natural-history and hiking interest. It is characterized by an atmospheric mixed forest of beech and silver fir. Unlike the rocky landscapes, the emphasis here is on forest and vegetation. If you are considering nature and hiking as part of your trip, the Bosco offers a distinct focus alongside the historic buildings. This forest-and-hiking focus contrasts with the themes of rocks and caves.

Your travel dates can also be planned around a specific event: A ‘Ntinna is held in Martone every year in August during the patron saint festival of San Giorgio. If you would like to connect your trip with this tradition, check the exact festival dates in advance. This allows you to plan your visit around the event.

Discover more destinations: Laureana Di Borrello, Condofuri Marina, Tritanti, Benestare, Motta San Giovanni, Santa Cristina D’aspromonte, San Lorenzo, Bova Marina

For the main travel overview: Reggio Calabria.