Walking & Trekking
Trekking on Mount Stella: nature and sacredness
- National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano -
The Mount Stella, which was originally called 'Monte Cilento',
is considered the geographical and spiritual heart of the "ancient
Cilento", in fact many urban settlements of ancient
origin arise around it: it is possible to make interesting
walking tours to Pantano, Ogliastro, Valle Cilento, Sessa
Cilento, San Mango.
Further south and towards east the Mount Gelbison rises high,
which is also called Monte Sacro, covered by the thick dark
forests up to the summit (1,705 m). On the top of Mount Gelbison,
we can admire the Sanctuary of Maria SS. Sacro Monte, a destination
for many pilgrims. The Mount Stella houses the Sanctuary
of the Madonna della Stella. In ancient times this mountain
acted as a lookout between the ancient Greek cities Poseidonia
(Paestum) and Elea (Velia).
This walking route starts from the pic-nic area 'Acqua del
Ceraso' 2 km away from San Mauro Cilento. On it we will proceed
through a chestnut forest in the direction of the 'Area del
Ciliegio' to cross the valley called 'Vallone Cupo' through
an abandoned wooden bridge, where we can admire a beautiful
waterfall. At this point we encounter wooden steps towards
Castelluccio, and always waking through chestnut woods we
reach Castelluccio finally. Soon along this shaded trekking
path a stunning view of Capo Palinuro appears at our eyes.
Here we are halfway before reaching the Sanctuary of the
Madonna della Stella and along the way we pass along beautiful
rocky formations, such as the stone of 'mulacchia', as well
as several picnic areas.
Another interesting trekking itinerary is the Fiumara -
on the slopes of Mount Stella, a stream that crosses a small
valley at the foot of the northern slope of Mount Stella
before merging in the Alento river. The route starts from
Valle Cilento, also called "molendinorum", a village
built in the twelfth century and so named for the presence
of numerous water mills, as well as 17 mills were discvered
in this area, mainly located along the stream Sorrentino.
The ease of the trails does not require special equipment
or facilities, but we recommend to wear long trousers and
a pair of comfortable shoes suitable for traekking or walking
in the mountains. Do not forget your camera! Nor water, sunscreen
and a hat, of course.
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