One hundred and twenty-five kilometers on foot, seven stages, a starting point on the Messina hills and an arrival point overlooking the Marinello lakes. The Path of the Soul connects the Sanctuary of Dinnammare, 1,127 meters above sea level, to the Basilica Sanctuary of the Black Madonna of Tindari, on the Tyrrhenian coast of the province of Messina. A linear itinerary, to be followed preferably in spring or autumn, which passes through villages, woods, rivers and views of the two seas.
The route partly follows the Dorsale dei Peloritani, known as the “regia trazzera”, an ancient communication route between the two sides of the mountain range, probably already in use in Roman times. It crosses the municipalities of Fiumedinisi, Mandanici, Antillo, Fondachelli Fantina, Novara di Sicilia and Basicò, and then descends towards the sea via the Coda di Volpe path. The road surface is 70% dirt, the remaining 30% asphalted. Along the entire route there are sources of drinkable spring water, approximately two points per stage, in addition to fountains in the villages.
The seven stages
The first stage starts from the Sanctuary of Dinnammare, from which the panorama opens up over the Strait and the two seas, and descends along the Dorsale dei Peloritani to the Contrada Rumanò di Fiumedinisi, for a total of 23.7 km with a difference in altitude of +387/-1,036 metres.
The second stage, from Contrada Rumanò to Mandanici (16.5 km, +807/-842 m), crosses the Brunno forest district in the Bosco San Ferdinando area, with stretches on a dirt road between olive groves and vineyards.
The third stage is among the most challenging: 23.5 km and +900/-800 meters from Mandanici to Contrada Silipà di Antillo, through the Misitano Valley in an area covered by pines, oaks, chestnut trees and holm oaks, visibly marked by landslides and mudslides. The fourth stage, shorter (14.9 km, +567/-401 m), climbs towards Mount Paiano up to the Dorsale, dominated by the wind turbines and the views, and then descends towards Fondachelli Fantina and the Le Miniere accommodation facility. The fifth stage takes you from Fondachelli Fantina to Novara di Sicilia (11.7 km, +400/-493 m), with Rocca Salvatesta, the second peak of the Peloritani at 1,340 metres, which overlooks the route. From here, for the first time, the Sanctuary of Tindari becomes visible in the distance on the coast. The sixth stage connects Novara di Sicilia to Basicò (15.5 km, +375/-630 m), crossing the bed of the Novara stream and the hamlet of San Cono. The seventh and final stage (17.3 km, +500/-587 m) descends from Basicò to the Sanctuary of Tindari, with the finale on the Coda di Volpe path overlooking the Marinello lakes, set in an Oriented Nature Reserve.
Useful information
The walk was conceived by Pasquale D’Andrea and promoted by the Camminare i Peloritani Association, which takes care of its technical and scientific management. In each stage, stopping places, farmhouses, trattorias and religious structures are available; pharmacies are present in all the villages crossed. Anyone who wants the walking credential can request it from the association with a contribution of 2 euros. The signs are still being set up and to orient yourself along the route the GPX track is available which can be downloaded via the free Cammini d’Italia app.
The recommended seasons are spring and autumn. Free camping in Sicily is not allowed, although bivouacs are allowed in the forest districts, for just one night (there are several equipped spaces along the route).
For information and credentials you can contact the Camminare i Peloritani Association, amministrazionepeloritani@yahoo.it, tel. 389 2537328.
