Saint Nilus and Saint Nicodemus

The story of Saint Nilus of Rossano and Saint Nicodemus of Cirò tells of one of the most meaningful friendships in medieval Calabrian spirituality.

Two lives united by faith

Nilus and Nicodemus met when they were young in the Mercurion, one of the important centres of Italo-Greek monasticism during the Middle Ages.

Growing within the same spiritual tradition, they developed a relationship based on friendship, mutual respect and fraternity.

Life on Mount Kellerana

During the second half of the tenth century, Nicodemus lived an ascetic life on Mount Kellerana, in the Limina area.

Saint Nilus travelled across Calabria to visit him. According to tradition, the two men also shared the same small cave carved into the rock.

Walking side by side became a remedy against the solitude of the desert.

The journey to Gerace

One of the most significant episodes of their friendship was a long journey they undertook together towards the ancient diocese of Gerace.

They crossed difficult landscapes, forests and paths of southern Calabria, sharing the little food available and supporting each other during the journey.

On reaching Gerace, traditional accounts describe them refusing luxury and choosing instead to remain close to poorer communities.

A bond that continues

The memory of this friendship continues today through the places, traditions and routes connecting Rossano, Cirò, Mammola and Gerace.

The Cammino Basiliano is now one of the ways visitors can rediscover the landscapes, spirituality and historical heritage associated with this story.