Cannicchio, Galdo, Celso and Pollica in a single excursion, to relive the atmosphere of the past by retracing the ancient connecting roads, lingering in the visit of the hamlets encountered along the way,
to relive the typical day of a Cilentano of the past, this time not out of necessity but only for the pleasure of discovery. Starting from Cannicchio, entering the area called "’u Monaco " first on asphalt and then on a dirt road that slowly reveals its identity as a mule track, where other means of transport can’t arrive. Suddenly, among rocks and walls, maquis and olive groves, the high bell tower of Saint Nicholas church appears imposing, indicating the arrival in Galdo. It was from this historic building that the development of the village began towards the top, and it is by going up the hill, through characteristic stairs and alleys, that we find the “Caffè Letterario” (Literary Café), the only meeting place in the town. Not far from the café, there is the climb that leads to the highest point of the hamlet and then descends on the old municipal road, leading to Celso.
There is a long bridge to cross to enter the charming and magical village of Celso, which ends under the arch of Mazziotti Palace, declared national monument, to open onto the square of the same name where time seems to have stopped. Continuing along the main road there is a small public fountain, where Via Velino begins, where it is said that fairies and munacielli (legendary folkloristic spirits) lived, it was certainly the street connecting Celso to Velia, from which it took its name. Arriving from here at the bottom of the village that ends with the "fountain of the Valley", where the witches seem to stop for their sabbaths, and where the inhabitants set up a nativity scene every year, intertwining pagan beliefs with sacred traditions surrounding the place with an aura of mystery. From here starts the mule track that connects us to Pollica: going around Serra di Mulino a vento hill and ending near the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie and entering the town dominated by the Castle of the Principi Capano, an obligatory stop on this excursion. After the visit, we return to the lower part of the Municipality through a narrow-walled road that goes into the vegetation along gardens and olive groves, until we reach the driveway that takes us back to Capo Cannicchio and to the starting point, to conclude our ring of hamlets.
Technical Details:
Starting point: 9.00AM from Cannicchio.
Difficulty: T (easy/medium)
Length: about 10.6 km, circular route
Duration: about 6 hours
Max Altitude: 457m a.s.l.
Recommended Equipment: technical trekking shoes required (any other kind ofshoes will preclude participation for safety reasons), trekking poles, comfortable layered clothing, windproof jacket/vest, hat / sunglasses and at least 1 and a half liters of water per person, spare clothing to take with you or to keep in the car .
