SI U02

This stage leads to the highest point of Aspromonte, Montalto, which stands at 1956 meters. At its summit, the statue of Christ the Redeemer was erected to commemorate the Jubilee of 1900, inaugurated in 1901. A few meters from the statue, a bronze "Rose of the Winds" was placed on a stone base from Lazzaro in 1994, created by the GEA (Gruppo Escursionisti D'Aspromonte). Leaving the village of Gambarie, the path ascends through beech forests until it intersects the ski slope. The route continues up the slope for a few hundred meters, then delves back into the woods, where, through various ups and downs along trails, dirt roads, and some stretches of asphalt, you reach Montalto (1956 m). The summit offers hikers an exceptional panoramic view that ranges from Eastern Sicily to Sila, from the Ionian Sea to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The descent continues towards a deep and solitary valley with steep, high walls, where the Sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of the Mountain of Polsi (862 m) stands, known in the Reggio dialect as A Madonna dâ Muntagna. Inside the church, a beautiful tuff stone statue of the Madonna is venerated. Little is known about the arrival of this statue in the valley, other than legends. Some authors, including Corrado Alvaro, believe the transfer happened around the mid-16th century. Along the steep path, you will encounter examples of Laricio pine, chestnuts, and ancient oaks. Overnight accommodation is available.