Roccabernarda: History, Craftsmanship and Trails along the Tacina

Roccabernarda brings together local history, traditional craftsmanship, regional products and trails through a hilly landscape. The historic centre lies on a hill; the settlement extends to the foot of the Sila Piccola and along the Tacina River. In Roccabernarda, historical traces, a rural character and concrete opportunities for cultural, culinary and active days therefore come together.

Local History and Archaeological Traces

Roccabernarda was formerly known as Rocca di Taceria; the settlement has been called Roccabernarda since the 12th century. Occasional finds from the Greek and Roman periods have been discovered in the Serrarossa district. Serrarossa is a complex dating from Roman and early medieval times along the Tacina Valley.

Roccabernarda contains the ruins of a little-researched archaeological castle, of which underground rooms apparently still survive. Nearby are the ruins of the medieval monastery of San Francesco di Paola. The monastery was founded by Giovanni Cadurio after he returned from the court of Louis XI, where he had accompanied Saint Francis of Paola.

The artificial caves known as the Grotte di Vitale lie along the Tacina River. They are considered a possible site of the hermitage where Saint Vitale da Castronuovo is said to have spent two years in the 10th century after a pilgrimage to Rome. The Fiera di Mulerà is regarded as an old medieval fair and is still held at the beginning of September.

Craftsmanship and Local Products

Local women’s crafts include weaving, crochet, embroidery, basketry and applied handicrafts. Local men’s crafts include work using inlay and woodturning techniques. The town’s craft traditions complement its historical themes with forms of everyday knowledge and local design.

Olive oil and products made from it are produced in Roccabernarda. Locally crafted products from livestock farming include Provole, cheese, ricotta and “Sciungate”. The Roccabernarda itinerary also includes the “Garagiata”, a tasting in a typical local establishment.

Cammino Routes through Hilly Landscapes

Stage 29 of the Cammino Basiliano runs between Santa Severina and Petilia Policastro through the municipalities of Santa Severina, Petilia Policastro and Roccabernarda. The stage is also accessible by mountain bike and is 26 km long. The only water supply indicated for this stage is located in the town. For planning the day, the 26 km distance provides a specific framework between the three municipalities.

The Via Sacra of the Cammino della Magna Grecia passes through Santa Severina, Roccabernarda and Petilia Policastro. The route runs through hilly landscapes and smaller towns. When choosing accommodation, these two trail connections may be relevant for planning a stay focused on hiking or mountain biking, while the castle, monastery, caves, crafts and products appeal to other interests.

Other places:Belvedere Di Spinello, Petilia Policastro, Torre Melissa, Steccato, Sant'Anna, Strongoli, Cotronei, Cutro

For the broader travel overview: Crotone.