Cattolica di Stilo, Bovesìa
Places
Hike·Easy·Scenic·Hidden gem

Cattolica di Stilo, Bovesìa

Calabria

The Cattolica di Stilo (10th century AD) is the best-preserved Byzantine church in mainland Italy — a perfect five-cupola brick building set on a cliff above the Stilaro gorge. It was the spiritual centre of Basilian monk colonies (Greek-rite monasteries) that covered this area in the Byzantine period. The gorge walk below has old olive and eucalyptus plantings.

Duration
3 hours
Distance
7 km
Elevation
+200 m
Best season
Year-round

Highlights

  • Best-preserved Byzantine church in mainland Italy
  • 10th-century five-cupola brick structure
  • Basilian Greek-rite monastery heritage

With your dog

Old paths; dogs welcome.