Trekking in Cilento with donkeys in the footsteps of Greek monks

About this activity

An original and authentic excursion, suitable for everyone, from the oldest to the youngest: at donkey's pace through the streets of the Palistro River, you will follow in the footsteps of Greek monks to discover the traditions and culture of our ancestors.

Along with the donkeys Moon and Star you will cross the ancient hamlets of Ceraso, Massascusa and San Biase, walking four kilometers along the paths that were once the main routes to these quaint towns.

Surrounded by the silence of nature, between ancient olive groves and indigenous vineyards, you will reach the village of San Biase, visiting the parish church dedicated to Saint Blaise, in which it is possible to admire the discovery of some ancient frescoes dating back to the 14th century and a local stone altar 17th century CE.

According to local history, Greek monks from ancient Velia chose this place to establish their cult. Particularly striking is the walk along the Palistro River, where it is also possible to visit the typical little church dedicated to Our Lady of Constantinople.

St. Biase's church square is complemented by the imposing presence of Antonini Palace, the ancient palace Baronial, currently inhabited by the Ferrara family. The complex has been meeting place of the insurgents during the Cilento revolutionary uprisings in 1828.

Among other cultural beauties of San Biase, it is worth visiting theantique water mill, located along the Palistro River, which was in operation until a few years ago and can still be visited. The route, while pleasant, requires a bit of effort, partly because the travel time depends on the donkeys, who will help you carry the bags and, in turn, may be mounted only by children.

The donkey protected cardio, the first in Italy, is provided with a first aid kit and a semi-automatic defibrillator in the saddle. Of course, along the way you will not be alone: constant will be the expert guidance of places, skilled in donkey leading and storytelling.

It is possible to arrange by reservation for lunch or dinner at one of the contracted dining facilities or to have lunch on the riverbank or along other areas of the trail with plentiful plates of fresh local produce, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, cold meats, cheeses, wine and water; alternatively, you can bring your own packed meal on your own.

At the end of the excursion, again by reservation, you can relax with a massage at the Gaya natural beauty center.

The "pacifier"

The donkey has always been the preferred means of transportation for rural life, indispensable especially for moving from one location to another. History teaches that the donkey was trained before the horse, in fact there are several ancient icons to testify to this.

This excursion was born precisely to relive the ancient paths traced by our ancestors, discovering a part of the peasant and rural life in this corner of the Ancient Cilento.

You will take a plunge into the past together with donkeys through an evocative, fascinating and mysterious tale in these silent places in the heart of the Cilento National Park: paths rich in history, art, culture and nature. You will visit some villages in which silence reigns, and where the sense of community that distinguishes these small towns can still be felt right away.

The importance of the donkey to rural life

For a farmer, having a donkey means ensuring their family's survival and better management of their farmland. Thanks to the donkey, in fact, the milk, agricultural products and goods, wood for heating, and stones to form houses, roads and walls were transported. In addition, the donkey was used as workforce also in the mills and mills, essential for the rotation of stones, used for the mill of olives and the wheat, especially in those places where water could not be used as a driving force.

Another key role of the donkey was in clearing the land of weeds and the subsequent and simultaneous use of the dung produced as an excellent natural fertilizer for plants and soil. We can define the donkey as a skilled and strong worker, but also as an inseparable friend.