Attractions and Places To See around Arena - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Arena include a variety of historical and natural sites. This region features several religious buildings, historical landmarks, and natural monuments. The landscape is characterized by forests and bodies of water, offering diverse points of interest for visitors. Arena provides opportunities to explore sites with cultural significance and natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Arena
- The most popular attractions is Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno, a religious building that is a Carthusian monastery consecrated in 1091. It is located in a quiet place and can be visited.
- Another must-see spot is San Bruno Pond, a lake and natural monument. This pond is dedicated to Saint Bruno and recalls a legend of his penance.
- Visitors also love Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco, a religious building and historical site. This pilgrimage site is surrounded by centuries-old silver firs and beech trees, and Saint Bruno lived and died here.
- Arena is known for its religious buildings, historical sites, and natural monuments. Visitors can explore a range of attractions, from ancient monasteries to scenic ponds and waterfalls.
- The attractions around Arena are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 upvotes and 19 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 24, 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 kind of natural attractions can I explore around Arena?
The region around Arena offers several natural highlights. You can visit San Bruno Pond, a serene lake and natural monument with historical and religious significance. Another impressive natural site is the Marmarico Waterfall, the highest waterfall in the southern Apennines, offering a stunning viewpoint.
Are there any historical or religious sites to visit near Arena?
Yes, Arena is rich in historical and religious sites. You can explore the Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno, a Carthusian monastery consecrated in 1091. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco is another significant pilgrimage site where Saint Bruno lived and died, surrounded by ancient fir and beech trees. Additionally, the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows Maria SS. of the Seven Sorrows, Serra San Bruno showcases beautiful Calabrian late Baroque architecture.
What outdoor activities can I do near Arena's attractions?
The area around Arena is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, hiking, and cycling. For detailed routes, check out the guides for MTB Trails around Arena, Hiking around Arena, and Cycling around Arena.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Arena region?
Many attractions around Arena are suitable for families. The Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno, Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco, and Church of Our Lady of Sorrows are all listed as family-friendly. The serene San Bruno Pond also offers a peaceful setting for a family visit.
Can I go hiking near Arena?
Absolutely! There are several hiking opportunities around Arena. You can find easy loop hikes like 'Bosco di Santa Maria' and 'Bosco Archiforo' in the Parco delle Serre. For more challenging trails, consider the 'Frassati Trail of the Calabrian Serre' or the 'Faggio del Re - Passo dell'Abate Trail'. More options are available in the Hiking around Arena guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Arena?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of spiritual tranquility and natural beauty. The Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno is often described as a 'must-visit' for its quiet, historical atmosphere. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco is noted for its 'magical and religiously intense' ambiance among ancient trees, while the San Bruno Pond is cherished for its peaceful setting.
Are there any waterfalls in the Arena area?
Yes, the Marmarico Waterfall is a prominent natural feature near Arena. It is the highest waterfall in Calabria and the southern Apennines, with an impressive height of 114 meters. It's a popular spot for its scenic beauty.
Where can I find cycling routes near Arena?
For cycling enthusiasts, Arena offers a variety of routes, including challenging ones like the 'Calabria Parks Cycle Route - Stage 10' and the 'Ciclovia dei Parchi: Mongiana and Fabrizia Loop'. You can explore more options and detailed routes in the Cycling around Arena guide.
What is the significance of San Bruno Pond?
The San Bruno Pond is a natural monument dedicated to Saint Bruno. Legend has it that Saint Bruno performed penance and prayed kneeling in its waters. It's a tranquil spot with both natural beauty and historical-religious importance.
Are there mountain biking trails available around Arena?
Yes, the area around Arena provides several mountain biking trails. Options range from moderate to difficult, such as the 'Riserva Statale Marchesale - Parco delle Serre - giro ad anello' and the 'Pietra Lu Moru Loop from Serra San Bruno'. More routes can be found in the MTB Trails around Arena guide.
What is the architectural style of the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows?
The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows Maria SS. of the Seven Sorrows, Serra San Bruno is a notable example of Calabrian late Baroque architecture. Built in 1721, it features a semi-elliptical facade of local granite and an interior enriched with stuccoes and decorations, including a seventeenth-century marble ciborium.
Is there a specific time of year recommended for visiting Arena's outdoor attractions?
While the guide data doesn't specify a 'best time to visit,' outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and visiting natural monuments such as Marmarico Waterfall and San Bruno Pond are generally most enjoyable during milder weather seasons like spring, early summer, and autumn, when temperatures are comfortable for exploration.
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