Belvedere Di Spinello: Sanctuary, History and Landscape

Belvedere di Spinello lies on the northern slope of Monte Castello and overlooks the confluence of the Lese and Neto rivers. The agricultural landscape around the town includes olive groves, vineyards and orchards. In this way, the topographical setting combines with a rural character that is also reflected in the cuisine: local gastronomy includes homemade pasta and pulses cooked in a „pignata“ over the fire.

History between castle, monastery and villa

The origins of Belvedere Spinello are connected with a castle on the eponymous Monte Castello. No structural traces of this castle have survived. In 1077, Roberto il Guiscardo fortified, among other places, the castle of Belvedere during the conflict over Santa Severina. The historical area also extends to Timpa del Salto: in 1844, a battle took place there between the Bandiera brothers and the Bourbon troops of the town.

The hamlet of Timpa del Salto contains the ruins of a Byzantine rock monastery. Remains of a Roman villa are still being discovered in Pietrarizzo. These places represent different historical layers that meet in the area around Belvedere Spinello within a limited geographical space.

Churches and religious traditions

The Church of Madonna della Scala was declared the diocesan sanctuary Santuario Madonna della Scala on April 10, 2023. The Santuario Madonna della Scala is located in Belvedere di Spinello on Strada Provinciale 30. Its façade is topped by a small bell tower and features two pilasters, a rose window and a portal framed by two columns on plinths. There is also a hermitage in the Madonna della Scala area.

The religious significance of the Santuario also includes a popular legend that connects the origins of the cult of Madonna della Scala with an apparition of the Virgin Mary. This tradition includes the immobility of the statue of Madonna della Scala. The sanctuary attracts numerous pilgrims, especially on Easter Monday and on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption.

Experience the landscape and get around

For active exploration, the Val di Neto Cycle Route has a historical connection of its own: it follows an old mule track and is now equipped with information boards and furnished rest areas. The Ciclopedonale della Val di Neto connects six municipalities, including Belvedere di Spinello. Both the rural surroundings and the connection between several towns are therefore visible themes of the destination.

The Santuario Madonna della Scala is located outside the town centre of Belvedere di Spinello, to the north. It can be reached via the A3, the Cosenza exit, the SS 107 towards Crotone and the turnoff to Belvedere di Spinello. This geographical distinction is helpful when planning your accommodation: you can consider the town centre and the sanctuary located outside it as separate reference points for your trip.

Other places in the travel area

Other places to include in your travel plans are Melissa, Cotronei, Isola Di Capo Rizzuto, Torre Melissa, Steccato, Torretta, Santa Severina and Cutro.

For the overarching travel overview: Crotone.