Description: One day we decided to visit the basilica on the top the Monte San Biagio (in English, Mt. Saint Blaise). Rising up from the resort terraces, the road was like a huge black snake. On its lower part the road coiled tightly around the mountain slope but close to the summit it raised up on the mighty pillars. We walked up slowly because the views that unfolded were spectacular, in front the hard San Biagio face, behind the sea with the harbor and below the villas and houses. From the road it is possible to admire the valley, the Maratea’s historic center and the fascinating ruins of the old settlement. On the summit (643m) we found the San Biaggio basilica (6-7th century). Inside of the preserved interior of the chapel lie the remains of the patron saint of Maratea. There is a small restaurant and the gift shop next to the basilica. The footpath from the church leads you westwards, to the impressive 22m statue of Christo Redentore (Redeeming Christ). The statue was constructed in 1965.
After watching this show, we made our way back to old settlement and made our descent.
On our way down, we pointed out the things we had missed on the way up, as the statue on the mountain grew smaller the buildings grew larger. From the houses above the Pianeta Maratea we turned right following the ancient footpath. They say it was built by the monks centuries ago. The path encircles the mountain and brings you to the upper part of the Old Town. The scenery was breathtaking, with several mysterious caves on the way, charming creeks immersed in lush vegetation and enchanting mountain panoramas.
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