The best running trails around San Pietro A Maida

Girifalco lies in the center of the Isthmus of Catanzaro. Girifalco lies in the center of the Isthmus of Catanzaro, the narrowest point of the Italian peninsula, at the foot of Monte Covello (848 m above sea level), a subrange of Monte Serralta in the northern Serre region, at an altitude of 456 m above sea level. As some finds in the Caria district show, there were settlements in the upper reaches of the Alessi stream before Magna Graecia. In the early 17th century, Girifalco was a fief of the Caracciolo family and then belonged to the Ravaschieri family. After a few years, the fief returned to the Caracciolo family thanks to the marriage between Duchess Ravaschieri of Girifalco and a certain Annibale Caracciolo. From them was born Fabrizio Caracciolo, second Duke of Girifalco, the creator of a very prosperous period for the feud during his duchy, which lasted from 1634 to 1683 and consolidated the socioeconomic development of the city with the presence of the university and the feudal institution. Duke Caracciolo had the Reformed Convent built in 1635 and donated it to the Friars Minor, who erected a statue in his gratitude and placed it near the convent itself. Mayor Carlo Pacino commissioned important works such as the first municipal hall around the mid-1600s, the extension of the Church of San Rocco, and a few decades later, in 1663, the monumental Baroque fountain. In the 17th century, the inhabited center expanded more and more, and there were several churches (the ones of San Rocco and the matrix of the Pioppi district being the most important), two important monasteries, the Municipal House, the Ducal Palace (the Duke's residence), and even the city's coat of arms was built. At the end of the 18th century, another earthquake struck Calabria and the town of Girifalco, the one of March 28, 1783. The center was destroyed or severely damaged, as was the Pioppi district, including the mother church (already severely damaged in the 1638 earthquake and subsequently renovated), which would never be rebuilt. Its functions were transferred to the church of the Dominican convent, which thus became the new mother church. Text / Source: Comunicazione Girifalco https://unsic.it/comunicazione/girifalco/

The Village of Girifalco The village of Girifalco lies at the foot of Monte Covello, between the Gulf of Squillace and the Gulf of Sant'Eufemia, and in the heart of the Isthmus of Catanzaro, the narrowest point of the Italian peninsula. Girifalco owes its origins to the destruction of the two older villages of Toco and Caria by the Saracens in 836. The villagers sought refuge on the rock known as the "Pietra dei Monaci" ("Monk's Stone"). Text / Source: turiscalabria.it http://www.turiscalabria.it/website/?lang=de&categoria=/wo/paesi/&view_type=s&id=639&title=.html

They are by no means mere relics of a bygone era, the "Monumento dei' Caduti" found almost everywhere in villages and towns, commemorating the many victims of war and tyranny. Their design varies, but what they all have in common is that they constantly remind us of the need to preserve peace.

Mandatory stop at the kiosk for a brasilena (Calabrian coffee drink produced here in Monte Covello)! If you are lucky you will find several locals ready to give you advice on the mountain routes.

From Girifalco, in less than 4 km but with a great ascent, you reach the Monte Covello Park, a wonderful place where silence reigns interspersed with the song of the many birds that inhabit it. In autumn, the mushrooms perfume the air and the colors of the forest become intense. It is the ideal place to regenerate.

A very pleasant route leads to the gates of the Calabrian Serre crossing the historic Marcellinara gorge and goes up to Caraffa di Catanzaro, a small center of Arbëreshe tradition and, finally, crossing magnificent olive groves, arrives in Girifalco. Here you can admire the so-called "Devil's Fountain", created by Carlo Pacino in the 17th century (it is told in just one night). In Girifalco, a visit to the fabric laboratory of the young Rocco Vitaliano, who also works with broom fibre, is recommended.

Monte Covello represents the peak of this area and is crossed by many local cyclists who choose to reach it from its southern and northern slopes. The mountain is characterized by lush greenery, so although the panoramic view is not available, the surrounding environment is extremely beautiful and welcoming. Furthermore, the track of the "Alta Via Parchi Calabria" passes right here.

Unfortunately, for many years the bridge has been blocked with concrete barriers that prevent the passage of cars and agricultural vehicles. By bike you can still pass by going around the obstacle. Since 2019, the locals have been mobilizing for its reopening and making it safe.