Petronà: Sila Landscapes, Culture and Nature

Petronà brings together the landscape of the Sila Piccola, a rich local history, religious traditions and natural attractions. If you are looking for a hotel in Petronà, these different highlights can help you plan your trip around your interests: mountain scenery and far-reaching views, historic churches and local culture, or nature experiences around the Oasi Faunistica Manulata.

Landscapes of the Sila Piccola

A municipality in the Province of Catanzaro, Petronà is part of the Sila National Park and lies on the southeastern slope of the Sila Piccola plateau. In spring and summer, centuries-old chestnut trees create a green setting around the town. On clear days, the view from Petronà extends to the waters of the Ionian Sea washing around Capo delle Colonne. The landscape is therefore shaped both by the hillside setting and by distant views towards the sea.

A distinctive natural landmark is the Roverella del Ceraso, a monumental downy oak in Ceraso, Petronà. Its trunk circumference at the base is 4.10 metres, and it stands 30 metres tall. These two measurements describe different dimensions of the tree and make it a tangible landmark in the natural surroundings of Petronà.

Local history and religious traditions

Petronà’s first modest homes were built in the first half of the 18th century in what is now the historic centre, the Rione Valle, in the territory of Mesoraca. The language spoken in Petronà is considered distinctly Sila-related. Shepherds and farmers are regarded as custodians of agricultural and pastoral traditions; shepherds from the Sila plateau also stayed in Petronà.

The Chiesa Madre di San Pietro e Paolo was built in 1796. The Chiesa della Cona, also known as the Santuario della Madonna di Costantinopoli, dates from the second half of the 18th century. It served as a refuge for shepherds moving their flocks from the coast of the Marchesato towards the Sila mountains. Devotion to the Madonna della Cona, also known as the Madonna di Costantinopoli, remains deeply rooted in Petronà.

Other sights in Petronà include the Chiesa dell’Arietta and the Ex Seminario Arcivescovile. Palazzo Colosimo is used as a centre for sociocultural activities, adding another cultural dimension to the town’s religious and historical heritage.

Nature experiences, trails and events

The Oasi Faunistica Manulata combines wildlife with walks and picnics in a natural setting. Its animals include deer, donkeys, horses and peacocks. The site also includes a small lake and the Parco delle Cicogne della Calabria, the largest stork park in Calabria. Here, wildlife, water and opportunities to spend time outdoors come together.

Named routes also offer a way to explore the area’s different natural features: the Sentiero CAI Calabria: Zagarise–Petronà is designated as a hiking trail. Stage 31 of the Cammino Basiliano reaches the Oasi faunistica di Manulata in Petronà. Both routes can be linked to another specific natural attraction in the town.

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul takes place every year on 29 June. It includes a solemn Mass followed by a procession through Petronà. If the festival is a key factor in planning your trip, check the dates before booking.

Olive-growing as part of the local character

Olive-growing is a historic feature of the landscape and one of the area’s important crops. Petronà’s olive groves produce extra virgin olive oil considered intense and fragrant. Old oil mills, small family-run mills and centuries-old olive trees bear witness to an oil culture deeply rooted in the community. Alongside churches, festivals and natural attractions, agriculture is another defining feature of the town.

Discover more destinations: Caraffa Di Catanzaro, Taverna, Roccelletta, Andali, Gasperina, Sellia Marina, Cortale, Satriano.

View the full travel guide: Catanzaro.