Attractions and Places To See around Soriano Calabro - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Soriano Calabro include historical and natural sites within the Serre Calabresi and Mesima Valley. The town has a rich heritage, particularly linked to the Dominican Order and its significant religious centers. Situated within the Regional Natural Park of Serre Vibonesi, the area offers green woods and panoramic trails. Visitors can explore a range of cultural landmarks and natural features.
Best attractions and places to see around Soriano Calabro
- The most popular attractions is Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno, a religious building that was the site of the first Carthusian monastery. This chapel stands where the cells of the first Carthusians were located, consecrated in 1085.
- Another must-see spot is San Bruno Pond, a lake. This pond is associated with the legend of Saint Bruno performing penance and praying in its waters.
- Visitors also love Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco, a religious building surrounded by centuries-old trees. This sanctuary is a significant pilgrimage site where Saint Bruno lived and died.
- Soriano Calabro is known for its historical religious buildings, museums, and natural features within the Regional Natural Park of Serre Vibonesi. The area offers a variety of cultural landmarks and outdoor experiences to explore.
- The attractions around Soriano Calabro are appreciated by the komoot community, with 43 upvotes and 19 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno
Highlight • Religious Site
The Charterhouse of Santo Stefano
The first monastery was in the Dauphiné, a region on the western slope of the Alps, southwest of Savoy, near the present city of Grenoble, in the summer of 1084, for the feast of John the Baptist, in a mountainous and wooded area, at 1175 m .above sea level, in the heart of the massif called "Cartusia" in Bruno's time, hence the Italian name "Certosa" and the French name "Chartreuse".
The construction work started immediately and progressed quickly. In fact, the main part had to be completed before the start of winter. The cells for the hermits were built around a spring and had to resemble the huts of shepherds and woodcutters: primitive and rustic construction, but fairly solid. In fact, they had to withstand the weight of snow from year to year. At first, each house (or cell) housed two monks, probably to save time and funds; Only later did each loner have his own cell.
The church was the only stone building: a sine qua non for its consecration, which took place on September 2, 1085 for the service of Bishop Ugo and under the patronage of Our Lady and the Baptist. Today, on the site where the cells of the first Carthusians once stood, there is a chapel called "Chapel of San Bruno" and another dedicated to the Madonna called "Madonna di Casalibus". The life of those first fathers of the Gran Certosa is known to us through the testimonies of the writer Guigo in the life of Saint Hugh and the traveler Guiberto di Nogent, from which, adding some information contained in the "Customs" of Guigo and some important ones phrases of the letters of Saint Bruno, Venerable and Saint Bernard create a picturesque image of fervor, rigor and the authentic monastic spirit. Bishop Hugo gave them every security, protecting them in any dispute with neighbors and allowing Bruno and his family full ownership of the Chartreuse desert. The new loners could then live there completely separated from the world in a legally untouchable retreat that only formed the outer framework of an existence in which the essentials were elsewhere. Saint Bruno displayed paternal care for his brothers and a sense of balance and measure that made him say to his own, perhaps too fervently, as is customary for beginners: "If the bow is constantly stretched, it loosens and becomes for less suitable for his task". Instead, when he stayed too long with the monks for solitude's sake, his friend Hugh reminded the Bishop of Grenoble of the duties of his ministry: "Go to your sheep". Seeing the beautiful cliffs covered with snow and glowing in the sun, he let his deep and contemplative heart expand his habitual prayer of admiration and adoration of the Creator: "O goodness of God!".
Text / Source: Serra San Bruno
visitserrasanbruno.it/visitare-serra-san-bruno/la-certosa-di-santo-stefano
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Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco
Highlight • Religious Site
Surrounded by centuries-old silver firs and young beech trees, the complex of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Bosco is the site of the largest tourist and religious attraction in the Serra San Bruno.
In the summer, tens of thousands of visitors relax in the places where he spent the last ten years of his life and where Saint Bruno of Cologne died.
The church of Santa Maria della Torre, consecrated by the Archbishop of Palermo in 1094, gave way to the small sanctuary of Santa Maria del Bosco after the earthquake. The spirit of Bruno, who lived and died in this place, still lives and provokes and moves us among these centuries-old trees and near this stream that bathes his feet.
visitserrasanbruno.it/visitare-serra-san-bruno/le-chiese/santuario-di-santa-maria-nel-bosco/il-santuario
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Church of Our Lady of Sorrows Maria SS. of the Seven Sorrows, Serra San Bruno
Highlight • Religious Site
Church of Our Lady of Sorrows
The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows was built in 1721 according to a project by the Serrese architect Biagio Scaramuzzino.
It has a semi-elliptical facade made of local granite blocks that provide the backdrop for the beautiful bronze door, made in 1961 by Serrese artist Giuseppe Maria Pisani, which contains panels depicting the Seven Passions of the Madonna.
This church, a tangible example of Calabrian late Baroque architecture, has an interior enriched by the presence of stuccoes and decorations, and houses the seventeenth-century marble kiborium with a beautiful temple-shaped tabernacle in marble, semiprecious stones and silver, made by the Bergamo Architects Cosimo Fanzago for the Carthusian Convent Church. After the 1783 earthquake, the ciborium was salvaged and adapted to the church where it still stands today.
Also very particular is the seventeenth-century Christ of ancient Certosa, carried in procession on Holy Saturday on the so-called "Naca", a burial bed that changes every year according to a new aesthetic style in shape and colors depending on the inspiration of its creators is set up.
On the sides of the main altar there are two altars from ancient Certosa, above which there are two altarpieces depicting on one side the passage of Sant'Anna of the Roman school of 1642 and on the other the Apparition of the Virgin Mary to San Bruno depicting 1721 by Paolo De Matteis.
Of considerable artistic value is the seventeenth-century perforated marble balustrade, made by Neapolitan marble masters.
Also worth admiring are the four marble medallions attached to the stalls, representing San Bruno, San Gennaro, San Pietro and San Paolo.
Text / Source: Serra San Bruno
visitserrasanbruno.it/visitare-serra-san-bruno/le-chiese/maria-ss-dei-sette-dolori
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San Bruno Pond
Highlight • Lake
The lake recalls the legend according to which San Bruno did penance and prayed kneeling in the water 1645,
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The Archiforo Forest and Shinrin-Yoku
Highlight • Forest
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Tips from the Community
Serra San Bruno is worth a visit. Its historic center, full of characteristic churches, the tree-lined avenue leading to the Certosa, and last but not least, the Hermitage of San Bruno, where you can enjoy the cool, tranquil atmosphere, especially during the week. There's also a stream, a cool path, and tables where you can rest under the trees, perhaps enjoying a bite to eat.
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Beautiful church, right in the middle of town. Like most churches in Italy, it's always open.
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Magnificent Charterhouse. A must-visit. Info: https://www.certosini.info/
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Beautiful pond, built from granite stone
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Beautiful pilgrimage site where Saint Bruno lived.
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Magical and religiously intense place. For those who pass through these parts, a moment of reflection for our thoughts.
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Immersed in a forest of silver firs and lush beech trees, the sanctuary of Santa Maria del Bosco is the major tourist site in Serra San Bruno
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If you go to greenhouse, don't miss the place in Brognaturo Donna Rosa you can eat the best mushrooms in Calabria abundant quantities moderate prices
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and religious sites can I visit around Soriano Calabro?
Soriano Calabro is rich in historical and religious heritage. You can explore the monumental complex of the Basilica Sanctuary of San Domenico and the ruins of the Old Convent, which was once a renowned religious center. Other significant sites include the Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco, and the immense Certosa of Serra San Bruno. The town also features several historic churches like the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Chiesa di San Martino Vescovo.
Are there any museums in Soriano Calabro?
Yes, Soriano Calabro offers a rich museum complex. You can visit the MUMAR – Museo dei Marmi (Marble Museum), which preserves valuable 18th-century marble works. The MUTERR – Museo del Terremoto (Earthquake Museum) documents the devastating 1783 earthquake, and the Museo di San Domenico is dedicated to the history of the convent and Dominican worship. There's also the MUANT – Pinacoteca (Art Gallery) and the Biblioteca Calabrese di Soriano, a significant cultural and archival center.
What natural attractions are there near Soriano Calabro?
Soriano Calabro is nestled within the Regional Natural Park of Serre Vibonesi, offering a landscape of green woods and panoramic trails. A notable natural feature is San Bruno Pond, associated with the legend of Saint Bruno. The broader Serre Regional Natural Park also includes attractions like the Oasi del Lago Angitola and the Marmarico waterfalls.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Soriano Calabro?
The area around Soriano Calabro is excellent for outdoor activities, especially within the Regional Natural Park of Serre Vibonesi. You can find various hiking and cycling routes. For hiking, consider trails like the 'Bosco di Santa Maria – loop hike' or the 'San Bruno Pond – San Bruno's Resting Place loop'. Cyclists can explore routes such as 'From Serra San Bruno to Soriano Calabro – loop tour' or 'Serra San Bruno e Mongiana – loop tour in the Parco Regionale delle Serre'. You can find more details on these routes in the hiking, road cycling, and touring bicycle guides.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Soriano Calabro?
Many attractions around Soriano Calabro are suitable for families. The Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno, Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco, and San Bruno Pond are all categorized as family-friendly. The natural park itself offers opportunities for family walks and exploring nature.
What is the best time of year to visit Soriano Calabro?
Soriano Calabro, situated in the Mesima Valley and within a natural park, offers pleasant conditions for visiting during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is vibrant. Summer is also popular for outdoor activities, though it can be warmer. Winter offers a quieter experience, especially for exploring historical sites.
What unique local experiences or products can I find in Soriano Calabro?
Soriano Calabro is known for its traditional craftsmanship, particularly rustic and artistic terracotta, as well as wicker, reed, and wood articles made from local Serre Vibonesi forests. The town is also famous for its 'Mostaccioli di Soriano', traditional Calabrian biscuits made with flour, honey, and sometimes warm wine must, available in various decorative shapes.
Can I find easy hiking trails near Soriano Calabro?
Yes, there are easy hiking trails available. For example, the 'Bosco di Santa Maria – loop hike in the Parco delle Serre' is rated as easy, covering about 6.5 km. Another easy option is the 'San Bruno Pond – San Bruno's Resting Place loop from Serra San Bruno', which is around 6.3 km. These are great for a relaxed walk in nature. More details can be found in the hiking guide.
What are the most highly-rated attractions by visitors?
Visitors particularly appreciate the religious and natural sites. The Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno is highly popular, noted for its historical significance. The San Bruno Pond is also well-liked for its serene atmosphere and connection to local legends. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco, surrounded by ancient trees, is cherished as a significant pilgrimage site.
Are there any specific civic monuments or fountains to see in Soriano Calabro?
Yes, within Soriano Calabro, you can see the Palazzo San Domenico, which serves as the current town hall. An elegant monumental fountain, the Fontana dei due Leoni (Fountain of the Two Lions), is located in Corso Roma. There is also the Monumento alla bellezza della donna and a memorial to Filippo Ceravolo.
What is the significance of the Dominican Order in Soriano Calabro?
The Dominican Order has a profound historical significance in Soriano Calabro. They established a major presence in the 16th century, founding a convent in 1510 that grew to be one of Europe's most renowned religious centers. Although largely destroyed by earthquakes, the present Basilica Sanctuary of San Domenico stands on the ruins of this old monastery, and the town's museums often house artifacts related to this rich Dominican history.
Most popular attractions around Soriano Calabro
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