Montalto
Christ the Redeemer
Montalto is located within the municipality of San Luca, within the Aspromonte National Park, and boasts one of the highest mountain peaks in all of Calabria. It is certainly the highest in the region of Reggio with its 1956 metres of altitude MSL (Mean Sea Level). The statue of Christ the Redeemer, which was created for the Jubilee in 1900 by the Reggio artist (born in Polistena), Francesco Jerace, was placed on land donated by the Baron Stranges of San Luca and was inaugurated in 1901.
Crossroads for those travelling along the Aspromonte
Montalto is a favourite destination for hikers in the Aspromonte area. The path, which is almost exclusively uphill, winds through beech and fir trees, offering breath-taking panoramic views of the Calabrian peaks and the Strait. On clear days, it is possible to see Etna and the Aeolian Islands, including the Vulcano and Stromboli, in one fell swoop. Montalto is a crossroads for various paths that cross the Aspromonte. Among these we find the Sentiero Italia which leads to Polsi or the fascinating Sentiero del Brigante.
DID YOU KNOW THAT …?
20 statues of the Redeemer were made for the Holy Jubilee in 1900, each placed on the same number of mountains in Italy. The statue on Montalto has been destroyed by lightning twice but has always been rebuilt.
