Attractions and Places To See around Vallelonga - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Vallelonga, a town in the Province of Vibo Valentia, offer a blend of historic sites and natural landscapes. The area is characterized by its tranquil Calabrian village charm and proximity to significant cultural and natural features. Visitors can explore ancient religious buildings and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding Serre mountains. The region provides opportunities for immersion in local history and appreciation of its diverse terrain.
Best attractions and places to see around Vallelonga
- The most popular attractions is Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno, a religious building that was consecrated in 1085. It is a significant historical and religious heritage site, offering insight into monastic life.
- Another must-see spot is San Bruno Pond, a lake recalling the legend of Saint Bruno's penance. This beautiful pond, built from granite stone, is a tranquil spot with historical and religious significance.
- Visitors also love Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco, a religious building surrounded by ancient silver firs and beech trees. It is a major tourist and religious attraction, drawing visitors to the place where Saint Bruno of Cologne spent his last years.
- Vallelonga is known for its religious buildings, historical sites, and natural features. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient monasteries to scenic ponds and forests.
- The attractions around Vallelonga are appreciated by the komoot community, with 43 upvotes and 19 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 2, 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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Monterosso
Highlight • Settlement
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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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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 cultural sites can I visit near Vallelonga?
The area around Vallelonga is rich in history and culture. You can explore the significant Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno, a religious building consecrated in 1085, offering deep insight into monastic life. The town of Vallelonga itself is known for its historic architecture and is referred to as "Borgo dei Vasai" (Village of Potters) due to its traditional artisan workshops. Additionally, the Monterosso area features a magnificent historic center and the Museum of Peasant and Artisan Civilization of Calabria.
Are there any significant religious sites in the Vallelonga area?
Yes, the region is home to several important religious sites. The Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno is a major historical and religious heritage site. Another must-see is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco, surrounded by ancient silver firs and beech trees, where Saint Bruno of Cologne spent his last years. You can also visit the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows Maria SS. of the Seven Sorrows in Serra San Bruno, a beautiful example of Calabrian late Baroque architecture.
What natural attractions are there around Vallelonga?
Vallelonga is surrounded by natural beauty. You can visit San Bruno Pond, a tranquil spot built from granite stone with historical and religious significance. The Natural Regional Park of Serre offers extensive opportunities for experiencing nature and wildlife, including magnificent beech forests on Mount Cucco and the forested area of La Conca della Lacina around a lake near Brognaturo.
Are there opportunities for hiking or running near Vallelonga?
Absolutely! The area offers various trails for hiking and running. For hiking, you can find routes like the 'Frassati Trail Loop' or a 'Serra San Bruno – Archiforo Trail – ring tour' within the Serre Regional Natural Park. Running enthusiasts can explore options such as the 'San Bruno Pond – Certosa di Serra San Bruno loop'. You can find more details and routes on the Hiking around Vallelonga and Running Trails around Vallelonga guide pages.
What kind of cycling trails are available around Vallelonga?
For cycling, particularly mountain biking, there are several challenging routes. Options include the 'Pietra Lu Moru Loop from Serra San Bruno' and the 'Lake Sambuco of Mongiana – Certosa di Serra San Bruno loop'. These trails offer a great way to explore the diverse terrain of the region. More information on these and other routes can be found on the MTB Trails around Vallelonga guide page.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Vallelonga?
Yes, many attractions in the area are suitable for families. The Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco, and San Bruno Pond are all categorized as family-friendly. Additionally, the Natural Regional Park of Serre offers opportunities for outdoor activities that families can enjoy together. For adventure seekers, Parco Avventura Adrenalina Verde is also nearby.
Where can I experience nature and wildlife near Vallelonga?
The primary destination for nature and wildlife is the Natural Regional Park of Serre. This park features magnificent beech forests, particularly around Mount Cucco, and the extensive forests of La Conca della Lacina. It's an ideal place for hiking, observing local flora, and potentially spotting wildlife. The Reparto Carabinieri Biodiversità di Mongiana - Centro Visite "Villa Vittoria" also serves as a biodiversity center.
What unique cultural experiences does Vallelonga offer?
Vallelonga itself is known as the "Borgo dei Vasai" (Village of Potters), reflecting its traditional artisan workshops producing terracotta pottery. Exploring the historic architecture and picturesque scenery of the town offers an immersion into its semi-unknown origins, which some scholars trace back to the age of the Goths and hermit monasticism. This provides a unique glimpse into a tranquil, historic Calabrian village.
What other towns or points of interest are worth visiting in the vicinity of Vallelonga?
Beyond Vallelonga, you can visit Serra San Bruno, known for its charming village and the Carthusian Monastery. The town of Pizzo offers the historic Castello Aragonese Murat and magnificent beaches. Monterosso is home to the Serre Calabresi Museum and is not far from the nature reserve of Lake Angitola. Simbario also hosts an attraction called Il Mondo Della Preistoria.
Can I find beaches near Vallelonga?
Yes, for those looking for a seaside excursion, the magnificent beaches of Pizzo Calabro are approximately 5 km from Lake Angitola, making them easily accessible from Vallelonga. Marina Di Pizzo is another coastal attraction in the nearby area.
What do visitors enjoy the most about the attractions near Vallelonga?
Visitors frequently praise the spiritual and historical depth of sites like the Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco, describing it as a 'magical and religiously intense place'. The Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno is considered a 'must-visit' for its historical significance. The San Bruno Pond is appreciated for its tranquility and beautiful granite construction. Overall, the blend of ancient religious heritage, charming villages, and serene natural landscapes is highly valued by the komoot community.
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