Calabrisella Mia

Curinga spills over a hilltop overlooking the Gulf of Sant’Eufemia. The medieval village sits between Lamezia Terme and Pizzo Calabro with incredible views of rolling olive groves and the blue Tyrrhenian Sea in the distance.

This summer Cherrye Moore (My Bella Vita) and I, along with her family, headed to Curinga. If you know me, you know I’m always down for a charming medieval village. However, this time around, we didn’t actually go to the village.

No, we had other plans in mind. We were on a mission to see Il Gigante Buono (The Good Giant).

The Thousand-Year-Old Tree

Tucked away in an enchanting forest just outside the town of Curinga stands a magnificent tree. An ancient tree that dates back a thousand years.

We followed the marked path that led us into the lush green woods, guiding our way to this impressive monumental tree.

You are completely immersed in nature, surrounded by tall trees and singing birds. And then, before you know it, you are standing in front of this magnificent and rare beauty. Wow!

I find myself struggling to find the right words to describe just how majestic the Platano Orientale of Curinga is. I’m in sheer awe of what can only be described as an extraordinary work of art by Mother Nature herself. I’ve just never seen anything quite like it.

The tree stands about 31 meters tall with a circumference of about 14-17 meters. The enormous trunk has a large cavity, a safe place, big enough for shepherds and passers-by to seek refuge and protection from the elements.

Standing in front of the hollow opening, look towards your left. If you look closely, one of the roots resembles a hand that appears to be gripping the earth – a beautiful reminder of the connection we have to our land.

The long branches of this secular tree reach up and out as if to embrace the world around it.

As I stand in front of this impressive natural beauty, I can’t help but admire it for all it is and all it stands for. There, before me, is a tree that has withstood the test of time, has weathered countless storms, and yet continues to stand mighty. We can learn a lot from Mother Nature – stand tall, embrace the world, and help others.

The History of the Tree

Over the years, studies have led experts to believe that it is a rare species of tree. The Platano Orientale (Old World sycamore) is usually found in the eastern Mediterranean Balkans and the Himalayans. So, how did it end up in a forest in Calabria? We will never really know for sure, but some believe it was planted by Basilian monks who settled here and built a Monastery nearby.

Today, the Platano Gigante di Curinga is one of Europe’s oldest trees. In 2020, it won the Tree of the Year award in Italy and then went on to take second place for Tree of The Year in Europe.

The Monastery of Sant’Elia Vecchio

On a hill just across the road from the ancient tree lies the Monastery of Sant’Elia Vecchio. The monastery, built by Basilian monks over 1000 years ago, overlooks a vast green landscape. In the 17^th century, Carmelite monks came in and made modifications.

Although much of the complex is in ruins, you can just imagine how large this monastery was. The small chapel with a typical Byzantine cupola is still, for the most part, well-preserved.

Join me as I venture into the woods to visit one of Europe’s oldest trees. You’ll be amazed by its long branches which hug the sky and its hollow trunk which offered refuge to those in need. A true masterpiece!

Do you love nature? Is there an ancient tree near where you live? Let me know in the comments!

If you want to find out what I’m up to, you can keep up with my daily life and musings over on the Calabrisella Mia Facebook Page and Instagram!