From Bova to Palizzi Superiore

 Itinerary

“No wilder, nor more extraordinary place than Palizzi can well greet artist eye” (Edward Lear, 1847).

Departing from Bova’s main square, Piazza Roma, we take the Via Borgo and walk as far as the butcher’s and to the Al Borgo shop selling Typical Local Produce. From here we turn right onto a small cement pathway and after a few metres reach a turning. The right-hand fork leads us to a house and to a site equipped for camper vans. Having passed the house, and a little before the camper-site, we follow a brief downhill stone path which leads us to a drinking trough. Having passed the trough, a cement pathway passes by a second house and by a small wooden gate. Having passed the gate we continue along the pathway, right, to a house surrounded by a wall. We continue along the same path, paying attention not to take the one near this house, and after about 15 minutes we meet a cement path which takes us to yet another house (on our left). Having passed this house, we arrive at a curve where a small path allows us to cut through the bend. We then continue along the cement pathway and, after about 10 minutes, we arrive at another curve just before an inhabited house standing on the right. From this curve, a trail leads downhill to an old mule track which is not very easy to see at the beginning. Take this track and walk along it until you come to the ruins, left, of a shelter for animals. Having passed it, walk downhill along the dirt track which joins the mule track again, right. Continue down in the direction of the ruins of an old flour mill, visible from above, until you reach the San Pasquale River in the Cosmano Locality (420 metres above sea level).

Having reached the San Pasquale River, cross the concrete bridge. Begin the climb up the opposite slope and continue uphill until you reach a large abandoned farm building you could see on the way down. Close to this building, take a trail up to a saddle situated among rocks. Having arrived here, take the well-trodden pathway first to another ruin and then to a derelict house which you will recognise because of a wall resembling the remains of a tower. From this derelict house walk down among the terraced fields until you find the trail close to a rock. Continue along this pathway for about ten minutes until you come to another derelict house. Continue past an old pigsty, until you meet a torrent with large oleanders. Having left the torrent behind you, continue in the direction of another abandoned ruin, which was clearly visible as you made your way, and having left it behind you, begin the climb towards direction of the houses on top of the Licofossi Locality (590 metres above sea level). You may climb either through the fields or by following the pathway through the shrubs, created recently by the local guide. Having passed the first and second houses, take the track which connects Bova and Palizzi. When you arrive at the junction, take the right turn and continue walking for about one hour, when, close to Palizzi, you encounter the tarmacked road leading to the cemetery. Take the left here in the direction of the cemetery, and, in only a few minutes you will be in the ddistinctive hamlet of Palizzi Superiore.

Departure: Bova – Piazza Roma (820 metres above sea level)

Towns and villages en route: Bova, Palizzi

Elevation difference: about 250 metres uphill;700 metres downhill, roughly

Walking time: 4 hours and 30 minutes, roughly

Distance covered: about 12 kilometres

Availability of drinking water: in Bova before departure , spring in Agrappidà the locality.

Difficulty: E

Arrival: Hamlet of Palizzi Superiore (272 m)

Visits to the following towns /villages

Visit to the Historic Centre of Bova

Visit to the hamlet of Palizzi

Information regarding the itinerary

Itinerary care of Cooperativa Naturaliter

For further information please contact Andrea Laurenzano (tel. 347 3046799)