Stage 05
From Caselle in Pittari to Rofrano
From Caselle in Pittari to Rofrano: An Ascent in the Light of Cilento
The stage that leads from Caselle in Pittari to Rofrano is the one that penetrates deepest into the mountain. A long and silent route that crosses the dense vegetation of Mount Centaurino, in the Cervati massif, until reaching the highest altitude of the entire journey.
The journey starts from the town center along Viale Roma, crossing the village up to Via Caporra and the roundabout that marks the exit from the inhabited area. The first kilometers are on asphalt, with a slight ascent, among olive groves and small cultivated plots. A fountain along the way offers the opportunity to refill water before entering the more natural and isolated section.
The equipped area of Valle Strazza, just over 3 km from the start, represents a strategic stop. Wooden tables, a shelter, and the possibility to take a break immersed in greenery. From here, the road becomes unpaved and enters the heart of the forest.
The climb is constant but never excessive. The trail winds through the foliage of oaks, chestnuts, and holm oaks, accompanied by the light filtering through the trees and the glimpses that occasionally open onto the valley. On clear days, you can distinguish in the distance the mountains of Orsomarso in Calabria and, towards the south, even the profile of Stromboli. This is the point where the journey changes its pace: you feel at the heart of Cilento.
Mount Bulgheria, called “the lioness” here for its crouched shape, appears in the distance, symbolically marking the overcoming of the first half of the route. The highest point of the stage is reached at 755 m altitude, on Centaurino: a ridge from which the view embraces wide horizons full of silence.
The descent towards Rofrano is gentle and panoramic. Along the path, marked by intersections that are overcome by keeping to the right, you encounter the small rural hamlet of Sandu Leo, with its fields and its working voices.
The arrival in Rofrano happens from below, as pilgrimage companies still do today towards Mount Gelbison. After crossing the bridge, a short climb leads to Piazza Cammarano, the center of the village and a place of welcome for wanderers. Rofrano preserves a deep spiritual heritage: here stood the cenobium of Santa Maria di Grottaferrata, connected to the abbey founded by Saint Nilus. A stage that marks a boundary and opens a new chapter of the journey: that of ascent.
Track to Follow
- Long and mountainous stage, immersed in the forests of the Cervati massif, with continuous but regular elevation gain.
- The climb is gradual, but requires endurance and a steady pace.
- A useful fountain is present along the first part of the route, near the equipped area of Valle Strazza, also ideal for a stop.
- The highest point of the journey is reached at 755 m, with views of Calabria and Stromboli on clear days.
- The route follows ancient transhumance and pilgrimage paths.
- The entrance to Rofrano, from below, recalls the ancient gesture of devotees heading to Mount Gelbison.
- The village preserves the memory of the cenobium of Santa Maria di Grottaferrata, linked to the presence of Saint Nilus in Cilento.
Statistics
Stage Contacts
The stamps
- B&B La Nostra Casetta
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