San Donato di Ninea

San Donato di Ninea is a village in the Esaro Valley, in the south-eastern area of the Pollino National Park.

Situated 720 metres above sea level, on the slopes of Cozzo del Pellegrino, it is known to mountain and trekking enthusiasts for its wild nature where it is possible to admire wonderful examples of Calabrian wildlife: wolves, roe deer, black squirrels, wild cats and many other species.

Of great historical-architectural interest, the Church of the SS. Assunta, built in a hegemonic position with respect to the built-up area, was built between the end of the 10th century and the beginning of the 11th century and represents one of the very few examples of Romanesque urban characterisation that can only be found in France and southern Italy.

The bell tower, on the other hand, was built in the 13th century and has the typical features of Norman-Swabian buildings.

Besides the Church of the Holy Trinity dating back to the early 17th century, the Hypogeum Sanctuary of St Michael Archangel located in the Sant'Angelo Caves is also worth a visit. Located a short distance from the historical centre, it dates back to the 6th-7th centuries AD and is characterised by two caves decorated with frescoes depicting St Michael and the Madonna, and traces of ancient human settlements, probably from prehistoric times.

Also near the historical centre is the Rupestrian Church of San Vito, a hypogean place of worship of artistic, historical, religious and speleological interest.