Attractions and Places To See around Simbario - Top 20

The area around Simbario is rich in history and religious significance. You can explore the Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno, which stands on the site where the first Carthusians lived. Another significant site is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco, nestled within a forest where Saint Bruno of Cologne spent his final years. Also, consider visiting the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows Maria SS. of the Seven Sorrows in Serra San Bruno, known for its Calabrian late Baroque architecture.

Nature lovers will appreciate the San Bruno Pond, a tranquil spot associated with the legend of Saint Bruno. The broader region is home to the Natural Regional Park of Serre, a vast 'green lung' with diverse ecosystems, wild forests like Archiforo Wood, and spectacular waterfalls such as the Marmarico Waterfall. The WWF Oasis of Lake Angitola, a nesting place for migratory birds, also offers pleasant walks.

Absolutely! For families, Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno, Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco, and Church of Our Lady of Sorrows Maria SS. of the Seven Sorrows are all considered family-friendly. A unique option is Il Mondo Della Preistoria, a theme park dedicated to prehistoric animals and human evolution, featuring over 60 reproductions and interactive exhibits. For active families, Parco Avventura Adrenalina Verde offers outdoor adventure activities.

The Simbario area is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. For hiking, explore options like the 'Bosco di Santa Maria – loop hike in the Parco delle Serre' or the 'Frassati Trail Loop'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Calabria Parks Cycle Route - Stage 10'. Mountain bikers have trails like 'Pietra Lu Moru Loop from Serra San Bruno'. You can find detailed guides for these activities at Hiking around Simbario, Cycling around Simbario, and MTB Trails around Simbario.

Yes, you can delve into the local culture and history at several museums. The Museo della Certosa, located about 5.5 km from Simbario, offers exhibition halls related to the Carthusian monastery. Further afield, in Mongiana, you can visit the Museo delle Reali Ferriere Borboniche, which focuses on the Bourbon Royal Ironworks. Additionally, Monterosso Calabro, a nearby settlement, houses the Museum of Peasant and Artisan Civilization of Calabria.

Simbario is a tranquil destination that can be enjoyed throughout the year. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco is particularly popular in the summer, drawing thousands of visitors. The Natural Regional Park of Serre offers diverse ecosystems that are beautiful in spring, summer, and autumn. For outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring and early autumn generally offer pleasant weather conditions.

Yes, beyond the religious sites, you can visit the historic Castello Aragonese Murat in nearby Pizzo, approximately 19.8 km from Simbario. Pizzo also features the unique Church Piedigrotta, which is carved directly into the rock, offering a distinct historical and architectural experience.

The region offers several scenic spots. The settlement of Monterosso is known for its magnificent historic center and is not far from the nature reserve of Lake Angitola. San Nicola da Crissa, often called 'the balcony delle Calabrie', provides splendid panoramic views overlooking the Calabrian coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The Natural Regional Park of Serre is a vital 'green lung' of central Calabria, spanning approximately 18,000 hectares. It's significant for its diverse ecosystems, including ancient forests like Archiforo Wood, known for 'forest bathing,' and the Stilo Wood. The park is crisscrossed by numerous watercourses, creating stunning features like the Marmarico Waterfall. It's an ideal place for nature immersion, offering pleasant walks and opportunities to observe migratory birds at the WWF Oasis of Lake Angitola.

For those looking for easier walks, the 'Bosco di Santa Maria – loop hike in the Parco delle Serre' is rated as easy and covers about 6.5 km. Another easy option is the 'Bosco Archiforo – loop tour in the Parco delle Serre', which is around 3.7 km. These trails provide a gentle way to experience the natural beauty of the region. More details can be found in the Hiking around Simbario guide.

To deepen your understanding of the Carthusian order and Saint Bruno's legacy, visit the Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno, which marks the original site of the first Carthusian hermits. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco is where Saint Bruno spent his final years. The Museo della Certosa also offers themed exhibitions directly related to the Carthusian monastery and its history.