Attractions and Places To See around Mongiana - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Mongiana include a variety of historical sites, religious buildings, and natural monuments. The region offers opportunities to explore significant cultural landmarks and diverse natural landscapes. Visitors can discover serene lakes, impressive waterfalls, and ancient monasteries. Mongiana provides a setting for both historical exploration and outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Mongiana
- The most popular attractions is Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno, a religious building that is a Carthusian monastery. It is located in a quiet place and can be visited, consecrated in the year 1091.
- Another must-see spot is San Bruno Pond, a lake. This pond is dedicated to Saint Bruno and recalls a legend of his penance.
- Visitors also love Marmarico Waterfall, a natural monument. It is the highest waterfall in the southern Apennines, with an overall height of 114 meters.
- Mongiana is known for its religious buildings, historical sites, and natural monuments. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient chapels to impressive waterfalls.
- The attractions around Mongiana are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 upvotes and 19 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno
Highlight • Religious Site
The Charterhouse of Santo Stefano
The first monastery was in the Dauphiné, a region on the western slope of the Alps, southwest of Savoy, near the present city of Grenoble, in the summer of 1084, for the feast of John the Baptist, in a mountainous and wooded area, at 1175 m .above sea level, in the heart of the massif called "Cartusia" in Bruno's time, hence the Italian name "Certosa" and the French name "Chartreuse".
The construction work started immediately and progressed quickly. In fact, the main part had to be completed before the start of winter. The cells for the hermits were built around a spring and had to resemble the huts of shepherds and woodcutters: primitive and rustic construction, but fairly solid. In fact, they had to withstand the weight of snow from year to year. At first, each house (or cell) housed two monks, probably to save time and funds; Only later did each loner have his own cell.
The church was the only stone building: a sine qua non for its consecration, which took place on September 2, 1085 for the service of Bishop Ugo and under the patronage of Our Lady and the Baptist. Today, on the site where the cells of the first Carthusians once stood, there is a chapel called "Chapel of San Bruno" and another dedicated to the Madonna called "Madonna di Casalibus". The life of those first fathers of the Gran Certosa is known to us through the testimonies of the writer Guigo in the life of Saint Hugh and the traveler Guiberto di Nogent, from which, adding some information contained in the "Customs" of Guigo and some important ones phrases of the letters of Saint Bruno, Venerable and Saint Bernard create a picturesque image of fervor, rigor and the authentic monastic spirit. Bishop Hugo gave them every security, protecting them in any dispute with neighbors and allowing Bruno and his family full ownership of the Chartreuse desert. The new loners could then live there completely separated from the world in a legally untouchable retreat that only formed the outer framework of an existence in which the essentials were elsewhere. Saint Bruno displayed paternal care for his brothers and a sense of balance and measure that made him say to his own, perhaps too fervently, as is customary for beginners: "If the bow is constantly stretched, it loosens and becomes for less suitable for his task". Instead, when he stayed too long with the monks for solitude's sake, his friend Hugh reminded the Bishop of Grenoble of the duties of his ministry: "Go to your sheep". Seeing the beautiful cliffs covered with snow and glowing in the sun, he let his deep and contemplative heart expand his habitual prayer of admiration and adoration of the Creator: "O goodness of God!".
Text / Source: Serra San Bruno
visitserrasanbruno.it/visitare-serra-san-bruno/la-certosa-di-santo-stefano
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Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco
Highlight • Religious Site
Surrounded by centuries-old silver firs and young beech trees, the complex of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Bosco is the site of the largest tourist and religious attraction in the Serra San Bruno.
In the summer, tens of thousands of visitors relax in the places where he spent the last ten years of his life and where Saint Bruno of Cologne died.
The church of Santa Maria della Torre, consecrated by the Archbishop of Palermo in 1094, gave way to the small sanctuary of Santa Maria del Bosco after the earthquake. The spirit of Bruno, who lived and died in this place, still lives and provokes and moves us among these centuries-old trees and near this stream that bathes his feet.
visitserrasanbruno.it/visitare-serra-san-bruno/le-chiese/santuario-di-santa-maria-nel-bosco/il-santuario
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Church of Our Lady of Sorrows Maria SS. of the Seven Sorrows, Serra San Bruno
Highlight • Religious Site
Church of Our Lady of Sorrows
The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows was built in 1721 according to a project by the Serrese architect Biagio Scaramuzzino.
It has a semi-elliptical facade made of local granite blocks that provide the backdrop for the beautiful bronze door, made in 1961 by Serrese artist Giuseppe Maria Pisani, which contains panels depicting the Seven Passions of the Madonna.
This church, a tangible example of Calabrian late Baroque architecture, has an interior enriched by the presence of stuccoes and decorations, and houses the seventeenth-century marble kiborium with a beautiful temple-shaped tabernacle in marble, semiprecious stones and silver, made by the Bergamo Architects Cosimo Fanzago for the Carthusian Convent Church. After the 1783 earthquake, the ciborium was salvaged and adapted to the church where it still stands today.
Also very particular is the seventeenth-century Christ of ancient Certosa, carried in procession on Holy Saturday on the so-called "Naca", a burial bed that changes every year according to a new aesthetic style in shape and colors depending on the inspiration of its creators is set up.
On the sides of the main altar there are two altars from ancient Certosa, above which there are two altarpieces depicting on one side the passage of Sant'Anna of the Roman school of 1642 and on the other the Apparition of the Virgin Mary to San Bruno depicting 1721 by Paolo De Matteis.
Of considerable artistic value is the seventeenth-century perforated marble balustrade, made by Neapolitan marble masters.
Also worth admiring are the four marble medallions attached to the stalls, representing San Bruno, San Gennaro, San Pietro and San Paolo.
Text / Source: Serra San Bruno
visitserrasanbruno.it/visitare-serra-san-bruno/le-chiese/maria-ss-dei-sette-dolori
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San Bruno Pond
Highlight • Lake
The lake recalls the legend according to which San Bruno did penance and prayed kneeling in the water 1645,
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Marmarico Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
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Tips from the Community
Waterfalls where you can swim in the warmer months, reachable from Ferdinandea via a panoramic trek or from a rest point in 30 minutes
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Serra San Bruno is worth a visit. Its historic center, full of characteristic churches, the tree-lined avenue leading to the Certosa, and last but not least, the Hermitage of San Bruno, where you can enjoy the cool, tranquil atmosphere, especially during the week. There's also a stream, a cool path, and tables where you can rest under the trees, perhaps enjoying a bite to eat.
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Beautiful church, right in the middle of town. Like most churches in Italy, it's always open.
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Magnificent Charterhouse. A must-visit. Info: https://www.certosini.info/
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Beautiful pond, built from granite stone
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Beautiful pilgrimage site where Saint Bruno lived.
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Waterfalls of impressive height, especially when observed from the highest pool. It is possible to bathe in both pools in summer.
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Magical and religiously intense place. For those who pass through these parts, a moment of reflection for our thoughts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best attractions for families around Mongiana?
Families visiting Mongiana can enjoy several attractions. The Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno offers a historical and serene experience. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco is another family-friendly religious site nestled in a forest. For a natural outing, the San Bruno Pond is a peaceful spot with historical significance.
Where can I find impressive natural sights near Mongiana?
The region around Mongiana boasts remarkable natural beauty. The most prominent is the Marmarico Waterfall, which is the highest waterfall in the southern Apennines, reaching 114 meters. Another serene natural spot is the San Bruno Pond, a tranquil lake with a legend tied to Saint Bruno.
Are there any historical or religious sites to visit?
Yes, Mongiana is rich in historical and religious landmarks. The Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno, a Carthusian monastery consecrated in 1091, is a significant historical and religious building. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco is a beautiful pilgrimage site where Saint Bruno lived. Additionally, the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows Maria SS. of the Seven Sorrows, Serra San Bruno is a masterpiece of Calabrian late Baroque architecture.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Mongiana offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore numerous cycling routes, including challenging road cycling tours and mountain biking trails. For detailed routes and guides, check out the MTB Trails around Mongiana, Cycling around Mongiana, and Road Cycling Routes around Mongiana guides.
Are there any challenging hikes or trails for experienced adventurers?
For those seeking a challenge, the hike to the Marmarico Waterfall from Ferdinandea is considerably more difficult than from Bivongi. Additionally, the MTB Trails around Mongiana guide lists routes like the "Pietra Lu Moru Loop from Serra San Bruno" which is rated as difficult.
What is the best time to visit Mongiana for outdoor attractions?
The best time to visit Mongiana for outdoor attractions is generally during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and pleasant for hiking, cycling, and exploring natural sites like the Marmarico Waterfall. Summers can be warm, while winters may bring colder temperatures and snow, especially at higher elevations.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Mongiana?
Visitors frequently praise the tranquil and spiritually intense atmosphere of sites like the Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco. The Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno is often described as magnificent and a must-visit. The natural beauty of the Marmarico Waterfall is also highly appreciated for its impressive height and scenic surroundings.
Are there any circular walks or trails available?
Yes, the nearby routes offer several circular options. For mountain biking, you can find routes like "Riserva Statale Marchesale - Parco delle Serre - giro ad anello" and "Sentiero Faggio del Re-Speranza – giro ad anello nel Parco delle Serre" in the MTB Trails around Mongiana guide. Road cyclists can explore the "Chiaravalle da Serra San Bruno – loop tour on the Ciclovia Parchi Calabria" from the Road Cycling Routes around Mongiana guide.
What should I wear for hiking in the Mongiana area?
When hiking around Mongiana, especially to natural sites like the Marmarico Waterfall, it's advisable to wear comfortable, layered clothing suitable for varying weather conditions. Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are essential, particularly on uneven or wet terrain. Bringing water, snacks, and sun protection is also recommended.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known spots worth discovering?
While the main attractions are well-known, exploring the smaller religious buildings and historical sites scattered throughout the region can reveal hidden gems. The serene atmosphere of places like the Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco, nestled among ancient trees, offers a unique and reflective experience away from larger crowds.
Can I find any viewpoints offering panoramic vistas?
The region's mountainous terrain naturally offers many scenic viewpoints. While specific named viewpoints are not detailed, the journey to the Marmarico Waterfall, being in the southern Apennines, provides opportunities for impressive views of the surrounding landscapes and valleys.
Are there any dog-friendly walks or attractions?
Many natural areas and outdoor trails around Mongiana are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. The peaceful surroundings of the San Bruno Pond and the trails leading to the Marmarico Waterfall are good options for walks with your dog. Always check local regulations for specific sites.
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