Platania: Nature, Churches and Living Tradition

Nature and Trails on Monte Reventino

Monte Reventino is the western continuation of the Sila Piccola. Its landscape is characterized by river gorges and waterfalls; it also features forests of deciduous and coniferous trees. The landscape therefore ranges from wooded areas to waterways and cascades.

One specific nature experience is the Cascata della Tiglia. It offers a natural setting with flowing water, a river breeze, green mosses and smooth, polished rock. From the historic village of Panetti on the Torrente Piazza, an easy, 1 km-long trail leads on foot to the Cascata della Tiglia. The walking time is 45 minutes, the elevation difference is 138 m, and the difficulty level is easy.

Monte Reventino cannot be reached by public transport, but by car via the SP 159/1; from the center of Platania, it takes approximately 20 minutes, or 8 km.

Churches and Religious Sites

Platania's religious architecture is reflected in several independent buildings. The parish of San Michele Arcangelo was founded in 1706 by Bishop Monsignor Nicola Cyrillo. The Chiesa San Michele Arcangelo has three naves and a floor plan in the shape of a Latin cross. The frescoes on the dome of the central nave and on the small dome of the right side nave date from the first two decades of the 19th century.

The Chiesa dell'Immacolata is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. The rural church Chiesa Madonna del Riposo is located in the Petrania vecchia–Cuvoli area, was restored in the 1980s and is believed to have been the municipality of Platania's first place of worship.

Festivals Throughout the Year

The patron saint festival Festa Patronale San Michele Arcangelo is celebrated every year on September 29 and combines religious observances with civic festivities. After the procession in the afternoon, the festival continues with stalls, music and festivities in the streets of Platania. The traditional liturgical celebration Madonna del Riposo takes place every year on September 8; during the procession, old religious songs are sung in the local dialect.

Natural History Collection

The Museo di Micologia e Scienze Naturali displays hundreds of mushroom specimens faithfully reproduced by experienced artisans, as well as exhibits relating to mineralogy, botany and herbalism. It is divided into the departments of mycology, botany, mineralogy and zoology. The collection also includes stuffed specimens of the local and regional wildlife. For visitors who want to understand the landscape not only outdoors but also through its natural forms, the museum complements the trails and waterfalls with a natural history perspective.

Discover More Places

Other destinations you may wish to include in your journey: Squillace, Acconia, Falerna Marina, Martirano Lombardo, Petronà, Santa Caterina Dello Ionio, Andali, San Sostene

For the higher-level travel overview: Catanzaro.