The best cycling routes around Zagarise

Scolacium Archaeological Park The Scolacium Archaeological Park and the adjacent Antiquarium (on the estate of Baron Mazza, with an adjacent olive mill museum) were built in 1982 in the village of Roccelletta di Borgia (Czech Republic) on a vast area of olive trees. The area includes not only the remains of the 11th-century Norman basilica dedicated to Santa Maria della Roccella, but also the remains of the ancient Roman colony of Scolacium, built in 120 BC on the ruins of the Greek colony of Scylletium. Excavations, which began in 1965, did not reveal any wall structures of the Greek city, but the unearthed abundant pottery and coin material dating back to the 6th century BC suggests a topographical overlap between the two cities. The material discovered is on display in the Antiquarium. The remains of Scolacium's city walls are much more significant: facing the sea is the Roman Forum, a large rectangular area paved with square tiles and surrounded by colonnades (Caesareum, Curia, and a thermal court), which also houses the remains of a small temple, a monumental fountain, and a courthouse. A large number of statues and portraits dating from between the first and third centuries AD come from this area. On the hill behind the Forum is the theater, with a capacity of 3,500 spectators, built between the first and second centuries AD. From the theater scene come several portrait heads from the Julio-Claudian and Flavian periods, as well as two large white marble statues of Togati. Recently, a second-century AD amphitheater, three thermal complexes, a necropolis, and an aqueduct have been identified above the hill. Text / Source: Ministry of Tourism, Territorial Marketing and Mobility https://calabriastraordinaria.it/luoghi/parco-archeologico-di-scolacium-borgia

Among the three large Calabrian lakes of the Sila, the Ampollino is certainly the least contaminated and consequently the most authentic to be appreciated by lovers of nature and landscapes.

Ginestra is a shrub that, thanks to symbiosis with bacteria, binds nitrogen from the air and fertilizes even the poorest, dry soils. In fertile soils, it spreads too much, creating dense fields that smother other plants – a bit like an uninvited guest who eats everything from the buffet. Inside, it contains sparteine, an alkaloid used to treat cardiac arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation and circulatory problems, and its stiff shoots have been used for centuries to make brooms. And even today, in some places, these shoots are used as traditional rods given to naughty children in December instead of presents.

A plant with intensely yellow flowers that grows wild in southern Italy. Here it is most often called ginestra. It occurs especially in mountainous and dry areas, and its presence in the landscape of Calabria in spring and early summer is very characteristic - it creates yellow spots on the slopes and along the roads. The intensely yellow flowers stand out against the green slopes, creating a strong and at the same time harmonious contrast. This combination works on the imagination and gives a strong impression of the freshness and exuberance of nature. In Calabria, especially in May and June, this contrast is perfectly visible: the green hills are covered with a yellow shower of flowers, creating almost painterly landscapes.

In summer, you can take advantage of numerous cycling routes that lead through diverse landscapes - from mountain spruce forests to water areas of lakes. In winter, the area is home to the Camigliatello Silano ski resort, which attracts skiing and winter sports enthusiasts with its well-prepared facilities and picturesque location in the Sila massif. This is a place more for local skiing enthusiasts and beginners who want to combine active recreation with a vacation in the warm climate of Calabria. If you are looking for more serious skiing routes, you have to go further north in Italy or to the Alps. In Calabria, on the other hand, you will certainly appreciate nature, peace and a unique mountain climate.

The Ampollino Valley is surrounded by the mountains of the Sila massif, with clearly distinguishable peaks: Scorciavuoi (1627 m above sea level), Gariglione (1623 m above sea level), Zingomarro (1463 m above sea level) and Monte Nero (1747 m above sea level). There are extensive pine, beech and fir forests here, creating a Mediterranean mountain landscape characteristic of the region. The central element of the valley is the artificial reservoir Lago Ampollino, created by a dam (diga) on the Ampollino River. The shores of the lake are overgrown with reed beds and water lilies, and in the area you can see wild animals - deer, wild boars, waterfowl and birds of prey.

Church of S. Lucia the oldest

Entrance door to the square of the monumental cathedral of Cropani, beautiful.