Little remains of the five fingers of Pentedattilo other than its name, deriving from the Greek penta+dakitlos. Today, the five points of the mountain looming above Pentedattilo are only partially visible and the town itself has long since been abandoned by the inhabitants, who have descended in to the valley leaving behind them a veritable ghost town where curious tourists now come to observe the deserted streets, the Church of St Pietro and St Paolo, the Church of the Candelora, and the Castle ruins.
The route continues along the Riviera dei Gelsomini to Brancaleone, where to breath an air filled with the scents of jasmine and bergamot, the green gold of Calabria. Via the SS106 we come to Ardore Marina and Ardore Superiore, this latter perched on a massif spur of rock from the heights of which a spectacular view of the Ionic sea can be admired. The medieval plan of the town has been perfectly conserved, with its narrow, palazzo-lined streets all looking towards Adore Superiore's impressive Mother Church. Not to be missed: the Castle of Gambacorta di Melicuccà. We make our next stop at Locri Epizephyrii, Calabria's most important archaeological park. This is where to admire the remains of the Marasà Sanctuary, the Marafioti Temple and the Greek-Roman theatre, dating back to the 3rd century B.C.
Judging from the town's medieval appearance, all that remains of the Greek origins of Gerace is its name, deriving from "Jerax" meaning Sparrow hawk. Legend has it that, back in 915, a sparrow hawk lead those fleeing attack by the Saracens towards the mountains. Also known as the Sacred city, Gerace boasts an incredible number of churches. The Cathedral of the Assunta, built in the 11th century is a splendid example of Byzantine and Norman architecture. Piazza San Francesco is home to the Franciscan Convent, with its magnificent gothic portal, the Byzantine Church of San Giovannello, and the Baroque Sacro Cuore di Gesù Church.
Roccella Jonica enjoys a fabulously panoramic position, resting high up on the slopes of the Aspromonte. The town is dominated by its Carafa Castle, which now provides an exceptional venue for Roccella Jonica's annual Jazz Festival. At the feet of the castle, we find the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima delle Grazie, considered sacred by pilgrims and sailors ever since its construction in 1545. We return to the SS106 in order to reach the picturesque town of Monasterace Superiore, and below, Monasterace Marina, where expert divers have the opportunity to explore the fascinating Underwater Archaeological Park.
High up in the mountains of Calabria, numerous signs of the passage of monks and religious hermits can be found. One such example is the Cattolica, a tiny Byzantine Church built in the 11th century on the summit of Monte Consolino. Heading further inland for some 10 kilometers or so, travellers come to Bivonghi which, with its historic molybdenum mines, might well be considered to be the birthplace of Southern Italy's industrial revolution. The 18th century Noceto Mines, now part of the Ecomuseum of the Railways and Foundries of Calabria, are also worthy of visit.
Back on the road which follows the path of the Stilaro river, we come to Bagni di Guida and the Marmarico Waterfalls, among the highest in the whole of Italy (120meters). From here, a brief detour takes us to the Carthusian Monastery of Serra San Bruno, founded by Brunone di Colonia in the 11th century and inhabited by monks to this very day.
