Villaggio Mancuso - Tiriolo
From Villaggio Mancuso the route resumes with a pleasant descent that runs through the larch pines and after a short uphill stretch starts again in a 'nosedive' to the outskirts of Albi. Here the landscape opens up to a wide panorama towards the cultivated hills, marked by a thick blanket of olive trees, with the Ionian Sea on the horizon. After a few downhill switchbacks, the Ciclovia begins to climb again until it reaches the centre of Taverna (521 m), a town steeped in history that was the birthplace of Mattia Preti, one of the greatest painters of the 17th century, and whose churches and Museo Civico display his valuable works. From here the Ciclovia begins to climb again in the direction of Sorbo S.. Basile (620 m), a delightful hamlet, and then climbs up to Maranise and then touches the village of Fossato Serralta (720 m), proceeding uphill to the stage pass at an altitude of 890 m, near the Casa Cantoniera Cafarda, with a splendid panorama over the valleys. From this point the difference in altitude slopes down to Gimigliano (525 m), on slight ups and downs. Once past the viaduct over the Corace River, the cycle route begins to climb again in the direction of Tiriolo, the town of the two seas from which, on a clear day, even the Aeolian Islands can be admired, with a fine old town centre, museums and unmissable craft workshops.
ITINERARY AND DESTINATIONS
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Places you must visit
TAVERNA
Taverna was founded in the 9th century and is located in the bed of the Alli and Litrello rivers. The Civic Museum has works by Mattia Preti as well as contemporary artists such as Ercole and Lia Drei, Francesco Guerrieri and Carmelo Savelli. There are numerous monasteries and noble buildings in the village. The Convent of San Domenico, the Gironde-Veraldi, the Abbey of Santa Maria di Peseca and the ruins of the Torre di Guardia (Watchtower).
MATTIA PRETI
Mattia Preti, also known as Cavalier Calabrese, was born in Taverna in 1613. He arrived in Rome at the beginning of the 1630s, coming into contact with Caravaggio and the Caravagesques.In 1661 the artist settled in Malta where, as the official painter of the Knights of the Order, hedecorated St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta with paintings of the Stories of the Baptist. He was alsocommissioned for numerous other paintings for the churches on the island.
TIRIOLO
Tiriolo stands on the hill that marks the watershed between the valley of the Amato River on the Tyrrhenian side and the Corace River on the Ionian side. It was founded by the Greeks and its name comes from the Greek word Tryoros, referring to the 3 mountains that surround it. From this spot you will be able to admire two seas, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea, and on clear days even the Aeolian Islands.
climate
During the winter season, snowfall is frequent in Villaggio Mancuso. However, the roads are passable and the reception facilities functional. From April to October, the climate is temperate. In summer, it is advisable to avoid crossing the stretch from Taverna to Tiriolo during the sunniest hours.
Cibo, acqua e alloggio
Hotels, agritourisms and B&Bs are present in Villaggio Mancuso, Sorbo San Basile and Tiriolo. There is no shortage of restaurants and trattorias offering local products and typical cuisine in the villages. The Ciclovia crosses mostly woods and green areas, where water sources are always available.
Clothing
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It is recommended to use a bike suitable for long distances, a gravel or mountain bike, also with pedal assistance. It may be appropriate to fit off-road (or mixed) tyres in the case of gravel. Although the route is on asphalt, it is a good idea to provide a set-up that allows you to safely tackle sections in the woods that may have mud and gravel in bad weather.
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If you want to travel with a tent, you can stay in tent camping sites or campsites, agritourism and bivouac areas. To learn more please visit the Parks’ websites.
