Nido di Seta is a bold dream brought to life by a group of passionate young Calabrians who chose to return home—and stay.
Their mission is to protect the environment, celebrate the landscape, and drive sustainable growth, all by reconnecting with their roots
They have revived the ancient art of sericulture—the cultivation of silkworms and mulberry trees—and made it the heart of an innovative project that blends tradition with creativity.
They are creating a vibrant space that attracts curious travelers, conscious tourists, and all those who seek authentic experiences in the heart of Calabria.
This is not nostalgia—it’s vision, professionalism, and passion. At Nido di Seta, they live change every day, with hands in the earth and eyes on the future. This is truly the spirit of the Come Home to Calabria project carried out by Calabrese who have come home.
GUIDED TOURS IN SAN FLORO (adapted from their website)
Silk Museum
Unique in Its Kind: The Silk and Textile Museum of Castello Caracciolo
Nestled within the enchanting setting of Castello Caracciolo, this one-of-a-kind museum offers a journey through the rich heritage and ongoing legacy of sericulture and textile craftsmanship.
The Historical Section preserves invaluable relics from the golden age of silk production, including ancient garments, Catanzaro damasks, sacred vestments, and rare examples of textile archaeology.
The Contemporary Section showcases raw silk artefacts, each a testament to the enduring art of crochet and traditional weaving on ancient 4-heddle looms, blending history with modern creativity.
The Natural Fibres Room is dedicated to the biological and ecological aspects of textile production. Here, visitors can learn about the mulberry tree, silkworms, and a diverse range of fibres—silk, genista, flax, wool, and the remarkable sea silk, harvested from the byssus threads of the Pinna nobilis found in the depths of the sea.
The Workshop Area brings history to life with operational looms and a hands-on exhibit of natural dyes and colour samples, offering a tangible connection to the ancient processes still practiced today.
This museum is not only a repository of cultural memory, but also a living factory where the past and present of textile artistry come together in vibrant harmony.
Nature Trail
Set along a winding trail that leads deep into a mature pine forest, the museum invites visitors into a natural sanctuary where landscape and flora engage the senses. Over 50 species of Mediterranean plants flourish here, offering a living, breathing backdrop that enhances the cultural experience and leaves a lasting impression on all who walk this path.
Mulberry Grove
An intensive cultivation of approximately 3,500 Kokusò mulberry trees stretches across more than 1.5 hectares of fertile land. These plants are vital to the silk production process, supplying the abundant leaves that serve as the sole food source for silkworms. But their value extends beyond sericulture—the grove also yields mulberry fruits, a distinctive berry that ripens between late May and early June. These fruits can be enjoyed fresh, or transformed into flavorful jams and marmalades, offering a seasonal taste of the land’s richness.
Silkworms
After decades of dormancy, silkworms have reclaimed their place in San Floro—each season arriving in their thousands to feast on freshly harvested mulberry leaves. Their return reconnects us with the ancient wonder of silk: the hidden alchemy that transforms a tiny larva into a lustrous cocoon. We feel a responsibility—and a delight—to share this natural marvel with new generations, tracing its origins back over 4,200 years to the Chinese princess who first unveiled the secrets of sericulture.
Silk-reeling
This is the magical moment that truly enchants every visitor. During the cocooning process, one can witness the astonishing transformation as multiple delicate silk filaments intertwine to create a single continuous thread, stretching over 2 kilometers in length. It is a moment of quiet wonder—a living testament to nature’s precision and the timeless beauty of silk.
Biological lunch
The guided tour concludes beneath the wide crown of a majestic, century-old pine tree, where nature provides the perfect setting for a moment of rest and reflection. Here, guests are invited to taste local organic products, lovingly cultivated on this very land. A harmonious blend of flavours and aromas delights the senses, offering a final, unforgettable note to a journey through tradition, craftsmanship, and the beauty of nature.
The Flavors of Nido di Seta
As part of its hospitality experience, Nido di Seta also offers an exceptional restaurant service, where tradition and sustainability meet at the table. Every dish is crafted using 100% organic ingredients, sourced directly from our own gardens or carefully selected local producers. Rooted in the richness of Calabrian culinary heritage, our cuisine offers creative reinterpretations of traditional recipes, designed to surprise and satisfy.
A symphony of flavours, colours, and aromas awakens the senses, providing guests with an authentic and memorable dining experience. The restaurant is housed in a renovated rural building, nestled in the greenery and shaded by the canopy of a majestic pine tree over a century old—a setting where nature and taste come together in perfect harmony.
“Life is too short to drink and eat poorly!” (cit.)