An experience that weaves faith, legend, and tradition, among the scents of bread, the majesty of Pollino, and the millennia-old stories that make Cerchiara one of the most precious gems of Calabria. Of medieval origin, this place indeed preserves a very ancient history, a bread-making art that has become a symbol of identity, and a natural charm that captivates anyone who visits it.

We will depart from the historic center of Cerchiara di Calabria, among stone alleys and views over the valley, to enter a local bakery: you will witness the preparation, according to tradition, of Cerchiara bread, a typical product recognized and protected by the Pollino Park. You will then enjoy a tasting with oil and flavors of the territory.

But Cerchiara is not just the village of bread: it is also land of legends and spirituality. The journey continues to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Armi, located at the foot of the majestic Monte Sellaro, a place where faith and nature have intertwined since the Middle Ages (around the 15th century).
Here, legends of discovered icons and pilgrimages still animate the site today: according to tradition, in 1450 some hunters saw a doe enter a small cave: inside they instead found two wooden icons depicting the Holy Evangelists. Every time the icons were moved, they mysteriously reappeared in the cave. Thus, it was decided to erect a chapel to house them: from that moment, the site became a destination for devotion and pilgrimage.

An itinerary that combines craftsmanship of taste, collective memory, and spirituality, within a typical natural setting of the Pollino Park.