Discover Orsomarso: Nature, Hiking Trails and Culture

The Orsomarso mountain range forms the southwestern extension of Pollino National Park. Its highest peak is Cozzo del Pellegrino, at 1,987 metres. The steep slopes of Montea in the Orsomarso Mountains are known for the presence of Bosnian pine. The natural setting also includes the Valle del Fiume Argentino Nature Reserve: it covers 3,980 hectares and lies entirely within the municipality of Orsomarso.

Hiking between the mountains and the Argentino Valley

Orsomarso is a starting point for numerous hiking trails in this part of Pollino National Park. In the Valle del Fiume Argentino Nature Reserve, four nature trails follow maintained former municipal roads or mule tracks. From Orsomarso, the entrance to the Valle del Fiume Argentino Nature Reserve can be reached via an unpaved road along the Argentino River. This gives your travel planning a clear focus on observing nature and active exploration of the terrain.

Churches, rocks and traces of the past

The Torre dell’Orologio was originally built for defensive purposes and served as an observation point at the confluence of the Argentino and Porta la Terra rivers. It has a viewing point and dominates Orsomarso from the tuff rock on which it was built. Near the eastern edge of the built-up area, the Cappella dei Santi Cosma e Damiano preserves its features carved into the rock; the site offers views of the Argentino River. The Chiesa di Santa Maria di Mércuri dates from the 10th century and is the only surviving evidence of the vanished medieval settlement of Mercourion. The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista was built in the 17th century on the remains of a medieval chapel. Remains of Byzantine frescoes are preserved in the Grotta di San Michele. The grotto in the hamlet of Simara was the hermitage of San Nilo da Rossano from 940 to 952/53.

San Giuseppe and Fusillo Orsomarsese

The annual custom of “U mmitu” di San Giuseppe in Orsomarso is regarded as a tradition associated with good fortune and blessings. It is also a tradition of hospitality: homes are opened to friends, people in need and strangers, who are offered food. The San Giuseppe festival takes place on 19 March and includes two bonfires as well as tastings of typical dishes from the local tradition. A particular culinary speciality is Fusillo Orsomarsese, handmade fresh pasta in the form of a long, thin strand. The Sagra del Fusillo di Orsomarso belongs to the “Sagra di qualità” quality festival network of the Unione Nazionale delle Pro Loco d’Italia (Unpli).

Choose your holiday apartment in Orsomarso based on your travel interests

When choosing your holiday apartment or accommodation in Orsomarso, you can weigh up the focus of your trip: the trails and the reserve are ideal for active days in nature, while the tower, churches and grottoes offer opportunities for cultural and historical discoveries. Festivals and the Fusillo tradition add local encounters and regional cuisine to your stay.

Further destinations for your travel planning: San Giovanni In Fiore, Verbicaro, Marina Di Amendolara, Cariati, Pagania Vallonecupo, Vaccarizzo, Belmonte Calabro, Terme Luigiane.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cosenza.