サンザのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

A brief explanation of the patronage of 'MARY OF THE SNOW', which visitors don't encounter very often: This takes us far back in church history to the fourth/fifth century, and geographically to Rome. On August 5, 363, the so-called "miracle of the snow" occurred at the site where the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore now stands. That is to say, on that day, in the middle of summer, snow lay there in the morning because the Virgin Mary wished to have a church dedicated to her built on that spot. She conveyed this wish in a vision to a wealthy couple – who subsequently initiated and financed the construction – and to the Bishop of Rome, who at that time was Pope Liberius. The Roman church holds the rank of a patriarchal basilica (papal basilica) and is the origin of all churches and chapels with this patronage. In the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church, August 5th, the feast day of the church's consecration (in the year 432 by Pope Sixtus III), is an optional memorial. Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome was the focus of international attention last year because Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday 2025, had chosen this church as his final resting place.

Area with 4 shelters with wood stove and 5 beds (3 singles 1 double). The price per night for each shelter is €50. The shelters also have a bathroom and kitchen, if necessary it is possible to request electricity via generator, and also have hot water. During the period in which I went (winter) the pipes were frozen, the fountain a few hundred meters further down worked so we had no problems. For more information contact "Le 3 T del cervati".

Shelter always open with wood stove and some firewood. Useful for emergency, there are many points in the walls from which air enters.

This is the source of the Bussento.

Start of the route: Alta Via del Monte Cervati and Alburni. After 6-7 km and with a difference in altitude of 750m you arrive at the Vallivona sinkhole. Path made treacherous by rocks and stones slippery due to humidity. Appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, experience.

The Altavia del Monte Cervati and Alburni path begins here. Following it for 6-7 km you arrive at the Vallivona sinkhole. Trekking clothing, sturdy shoes. Be careful because the route reserves some dangers due to the slipperiness of rocks and stones due to humidity and rotten leaves.

To get to the Vallivona sinkhole you have to go through an artificial tunnel of about 500m. In spring/summer it is possible to cross it with flashlights and with boots or waterproof bags for shoes.

From Sanza, you can reach the Affondare di Vallivona by crossing a "Beautiful path in the forest" of Mount Cervati, the highest in the province of Salerno with its 1899m. Be careful because the humidity and wet leaves make the rocks and stones you encounter along the route slippery: From Sanza 750m difference in altitude up to 1100m of Inghiottitopio. Training and experience are required.