Discover Pentidattilo: Rocks, Churches and Hiking Trails
Accommodation in Pentidattilo
Pentidattilo combines a striking rocky landscape with architectural and artistic heritage, as well as hiking trails through the countryside. The historic centre nestles against a rock formation whose geological shape resembles a hand reaching up to the sky. Visitors interested in architecture and art will find tangible examples in the village; for hiking, there are routes of varying lengths and durations to choose from.
Rocky Landscape and Views
The Rocche di PrastarĂ offer a different perspective on the landscape: they consist of Miocene sedimentary rocks, with fissures and caves between the blocks. Here, the rock formations shape the scenery. At La Panchina dei Baci, by contrast, the panorama takes centre stage. From this viewpoint, you can see Mount Etna and the Strait of Messina. The two places therefore offer different highlights: rock formations on one hand and expansive views on the other.
Churches, Art and Local History
At the entrance to the castle stands the Chiesa dittereale di San Pietro, whose spire is clad in majolica. The Chiesa Santa Maria della Candelora brings together several periods: its origins date back to Byzantine times, while the building itself dates from the 16th century. The church contains a Renaissance sculpture of the Madonna della Candelora, made of white Carrara marble and dated 1564. The information about the church and the sculpture therefore relates to different periods.
Fontana e Lavatoio also tells the story of the village. The communal fountain was built in 1955; two basins were once used for washing clothes and watering animals, respectively. The Canonica was built in 1890 on the site of Pentidattilo’s former cemetery. Today, it houses the Stanza di San Gaetano Catanoso, an exhibition of old altar stones and contemporary sacred art, and a cultural space with sacred objects.
In the lower part of Pentidattilo, along the paths between ruined houses, you will find the Affresco di San Cristoforo. It is located in a niche at the foot of a sloping rock outcrop. The fresco is believed to date from the 18th century; the artist is unknown. Together, the churches, artworks and former everyday spaces reveal different aspects of the area’s cultural heritage.
Hiking Trails and Durations
The Anello di Pentedattilo is an unpaved, uneven mule track. It connects the village with the small hamlet of Sant’Antonio beyond the rock. A gentle walk leads from the car park to the centre. Another hiking trail starts in the village and passes through the Fiumara di Sant’Elia valley to the Rocche di Prastarà .
A trail circles the distinctive rock and leads to the Rocche di Santa Lena after about two and a half hours of walking. The Sentiero dell’Inglese starts in Pentedattilo and runs as far as Staiti; the hike is described as a seven-day slow tourism experience. This means there are different durations to choose from: a route taking about two and a half hours and a hiking experience described as lasting seven days. Car park and trail conditions may change; check the local situation before your visit.
Bergamot from the Region
Bergamot offers another local perspective. Casa del Bergamotto produces bergamot essence from the harvest of the family-owned bergamot grove. Alongside the rocky landscape, churches and hiking trails, the processing of a local product is another of the themes that make Pentidattilo distinctive.
Discover more destinations: Pellaro, Scilla, Cittanova, Villa San Giovanni, Caulonia, Agnana Calabra, Taureana, Acquacalda.
For the main travel overview: Reggio Calabria.
