Ferrata Gravina

Overview

The Ferrata della Gravina, also known as the Ferrata del Caldanello, is an adventurous route that winds through the gorge of the Caldanello Stream, inside the Pollino National Park in Calabria. The route unfolds mainly along vertical walls and narrow ledges that flank the watercourse, offering total immersion in a striking rocky environment. The morphology of the gorge, shaped by erosion, creates a succession of technical and scenic passages that strongly define the experience.

Approach

After exiting the A3 motorway at the Frascineto tollbooth, follow about 28 km of mountain road to Cerchiara di Calabria. The recommended starting point is near the church of the medieval village. The via ferrata has four different access points, a unique feature that allows for modular use. The main entrance is located behind the Town Hall, reachable by climbing about a hundred meters from the Church of San Pietro Apostolo. A second access, which also serves as an escape route, is near the Carabinieri barracks, with white-red markings leading to the Fontana Vecchia water treatment plant. A third start is possible from the ruins of the Norman Castle, following the route in descent. The fourth entrance, less used, is located in the Calvario area on the opposite side of the stream, reachable via an exposed descending path that leads directly into the route's variant.

Via Ferrata

The description follows the classic route, starting from the main entrance behind the Town Hall. After clipping in, the route descends quickly toward the Caldanello streambed. At the first fork, keep right, arriving at the actual start of the via ferrata with the "Ramo Imperiale" traverse. This passage, very exposed, runs along a smooth wall with the cable positioned high, requiring significant arm strength in at least two awkward points; the roof-like rock formation does not allow for comfortable rests. The pace is technical and focused, with exposure dominating the scene.

After the traverse, climb vertically using metal ladders, then descend onto a ledge that leads to the "Briglia" escape route, corresponding to the second entrance. The route then alternates between vertical sections and short horizontal stretches on ledges, creating a discontinuous but engaging rhythm.

Continuing beyond this escape route, you face a vertical ascent. It is crucial to note that, as in other sections, intermediate pegs are completely absent; a fall would have severe consequences, making maximum attention absolutely essential. Then overcome another exposed traverse and follow a long ledge, at the end of which you climb a vertical wall (again lacking intermediate steps) until reaching the ruins of the Norman Castle, which is the third entrance. The time to reach this point is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The route is characterized by constant exposure and the need for good physical preparation, given the lack of intermediate footholds in the vertical sections.

There is a more challenging variant. From the "Briglia" escape route, you can descend into the stream bed to tackle the opposite side of the gorge. This option includes a couple of vertical walls, smooth and devoid of natural holds, where the condition of the equipment suggests extreme caution; at these points, it may be prudent to descend using double ropes. The route then continues on ledges and traverses until it ends halfway up the wall. From here, you can either turn back to complete the via ferrata up to the Castle (for a total of about 2 hours and 45 minutes) or ascend one of the steep side trails and then return to Cerchiara along the road, with a total indicative time of 3 hours. This variant amplifies the technical and adventurous character of the route, requiring greater autonomy and assessment skills.

Descent

From the arrival point at the castle ruins, the descent toward the town of Cerchiara di Calabria is short and easy, taking about 15 minutes to return to the parking area. The return follows a gentle path, offering a pleasant decompression after the technical effort of the via ferrata.

Useful Notes

The Ferrata del Caldanello stands out for the spectacular gorge environment, shaped in limestone rock. From a technical standpoint, the most notable feature is the absence of steps or pegs in the vertical sections, both on the ascent and descent. This configuration significantly amplifies the risk factor in the event of a fall, which would inevitably be long until the anchor below. For greater safety, it can be very useful to bring a 20-meter length of rope, which allows you to rappel down the most critical passages. There are no other via ferratas in the immediate vicinity; the closest are in Basilicata and Campania. The route therefore requires a conscious approach, where the technical component and reading of the environment are fundamental for a safe completion.