アルトモンテのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

The hut is currently closed. (May 2025) Opening hours are unclear

The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Pettoruto is an important place of Marian worship located in San Sosti, in the province of Cosenza, Calabria. Immersed in the suggestive gorge of the Rosa river, between Monte Montea and Monte Mula, it is located at about 543 meters above sea level. Origins and legend According to tradition, the sanctuary has legendary origins. A man named Nicola Mairo, originally from Altomonte and unjustly accused of murder, took refuge on the mountain where the sanctuary stands today. During his time in hiding, he had a mystical vision of the Madonna and Child and carved her image on a tuff rock. In 1449 he was cleared of all charges. In the early 1600s, a deaf-mute shepherd boy discovered the carved image and, miraculously, regained his speech, thus allowing the construction of the sanctuary. Architecture and awards The current building was built between 1824 and 1840 by order of Bishop Felice Greco. In 1979, Pope John Paul II elevated it to a basilica

From here on and for about 15/20 minutes of walking towards the summit, you follow a rather challenging stretch due to the particularly steep slope. Not recommended if it had rained a lot in the previous days.

A beech that seems to have been purposely made to take a picture of itself to become a "beech-man"

If you go up a few meters, on the opposite side of where you see the beech from the path, you will admire it in all its height and grandeur.

A beautiful Beech, imposing and slightly hidden on the right, going down towards the Piano di Lanzo.

Refuge with a few beds and a kitchen, the road leading to the structure is paved.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Pettoruto is located at an altitude of 543 metres, inside a gorge between Monte Montea and Monte Mula. Every year between 1 and 8 September there is a festival and a pilgrimage from San Sosti to the Sanctuary, in which the whole town participates.