Attractions and Places To See around Cerenzia - Top 9

Cerenzia is rich in history, particularly its ancient, abandoned settlement known as Cerenzia Vecchia or Akerentia. Here, you can explore the Archaeological Park of Akerentia, which was once a significant Byzantine town. Within the park, don't miss the Church of San Teodoro, believed to have originated as a hermitage, and the substantial remains of what is identified as the Bishop's Palace. Another notable historical settlement nearby is San Giovanni in Fiore, known for its Florense Abbey.

The region around Cerenzia boasts beautiful natural landscapes. The Archaeological Park of Akerentia itself is nestled within the well-preserved Presila Crotonese Landscape. The ancient town of Cerenzia Vecchia strategically overlooks the Lese River Valley, which is thought to be the origin of its name. You'll also find natural walls and cliffs composed of chalky-sulphurous rocks that once fortified the old town. Further afield, the Lago Ampollino Dam is surrounded by the Sila Piccola and Sila Grande mountains, offering extensive pine, beech, and fir forests, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Yes, the area offers options for families. The Lago Ampollino Dam area is considered family-friendly, with opportunities to enjoy the lake and surrounding forests. The nearby settlement of San Giovanni in Fiore is also listed as family-friendly, offering a chance to explore an authentic Calabrian village and its historic abbey.

The Cerenzia region is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts, especially cycling and mountain biking. You can find numerous cycling routes around the Lago Ampollino Dam, leading through diverse landscapes. For specific routes, check out the MTB Trails around Cerenzia, Road Cycling Routes around Cerenzia, and Cycling around Cerenzia guides. Hikers can enjoy trails like the Section between Mount Charlemagne and Mount Zingomarro, which offers panoramic views.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Section between Mount Charlemagne and Mount Zingomarro. From this majestic mountain, you can see across the entirety of Calabria, from Pollino to Aspromonte, and even the Ionian coasts. On clear days, it's even possible to spot Mount Etna in the distance.

Cerenzia has a strong connection to its past, culminating in the annual Ecce Homo festival. During this event, the entire village participates in a procession back to the ruins of Cerenzia Vecchia, their 'birthplace.' The region is also known for a 16th-century legend about a seven-headed, fire-breathing dragon that terrorized the inhabitants, eventually slain by St. Theodore of Amasea, the patron saint. This tale is still passed down by locals.

The area around Cerenzia offers outdoor activities throughout the year. In summer, you can take advantage of numerous cycling routes. In winter, the Sila massif, particularly near Lago Ampollino Dam, is home to the Camigliatello Silano ski resort, attracting winter sports enthusiasts. The mild climate of Calabria makes it appealing for nature exploration in various seasons.

Yes, the Calusia Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge is designed to be wheelchair accessible, providing a safe and scenic crossing of the Neto River valley floor along the cycle path.

Cyclists exploring the Parco Nazionale della Sila will find the Cyclists' Fountain in Parco Nazionale della Sila to be a strategic hydration point. It's located on a forest section of the bike trail between Lorica and Villaggio Baffa, near the Monte Zingomarro massif, in an area far from towns and infrastructure.

While exploring Cerenzia, you can appreciate the local gastronomic traditions. The region is known for dishes featuring Pecorino Crotonese DOP, a local cheese used in both savory and sweet preparations, offering a taste of authentic Calabrian cuisine.

Cerenzia Vecchia, also known as Akerentia, is significant as an ancient and once glorious Byzantine town. Its abandonment in the mid-19th century was due to continuous wall collapses, water supply issues, malaria, and earthquakes. Today, it stands as an archaeological park of immense historical and landscape value, offering a glimpse into a substantial ancient urban area and its past.