CENTRAL CILENTO, HISTORY AND TRADITIONS
The central area of Cilento offers exceptional landscapes and is the perfect place to practise trekking and to go horse-riding. There are interesting guided tours in the Mediterranean bush, to discover the local flora and fauna.
The territory includes Cannalonga, Casalvelino, Castelnuovo Cilento, Ceraso, Gioi Cilento, Moio della Civitella, Novi Velia, Omignano, Orria, Perito, Pollica, Salento, San Mauro Cilento, Stella Cilento, and Vallo della Lucania. This is a perfect mix of history, art and proud rural traditions.
In Moio della Civitella and Orria there are the interesting museums dedicated to rural life: the one of Orria contains some of the most important evidences about the cultivation of white fig. Also a market and an exhibition are dedicated to the white fig. Orria has a great natural position (it also includes the church dedicated to Saint Sophie, with one of the tallest bell tower of Cilento): Orria is on a rock over two deep valleys (Orria and Cerreto). One can thus enjoy a wonderful and wide panorama including the fertile plains of the ancient Gioi, the ones of Salento, Piano, and the valleys of Casalvelino and Velia.
Terrae Piretii was the ancient name of Perito: the name comes from the activity performed in this area, that is the production of gun powder; in Perito there are still the huge mortars used to produce it. In Perito there is an interesting event called “Vasci portuni e pertose”: the town opens its doors and its memories to tourists and all the inhabitants and palaces are involved. There are also exhibitions, meetings, gastronomy, etc.
Salento is considered the “quiet town” because it emanates a silent charm. The church dedicated in 1700 to Saint Barbara deserves a visit to admire its Baroque style. This monument is interesting, especially the bell tower with its unique architectural style.
The territory of Ceraso is not far from the coast and it is a very interesting for a small village of Middle ages period, Massascusa. The houses were built all together, without spaces between them to create a good resistance in case of earthquakes. An example is the district called ‘mpieri Ceraso”. The church dedicated to Saint Nicholas deserves a visit for its big size.
In Gioi Cilento there is a nice event called “Per Archi e Vuttari” about ancient crafts and forgotten flavours. This is the perfect occasion to taste the famous salami called ‘soppressata’, dating back to 1835. The monastery of Saint Francis, built in 1466, deserves a visit: from the garden one can admire a wide panorama on Alento Valley.
In Stella Cilento there is a beautiful palace, Palazzo Vassallo,
with stone portal and small picturesque towers. The inhabitants called it a “castle” because
of its big size and its strategic position.
Vallo della Lucania is the most active town of the area for its economy: in Vallo there is an interesting Diocesan Museum, with wood statues and paintings of local traditions. The sacred art of the museum represents the spirit of Cilento. Vallo is also the town where the offices of National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano are located. There is also the Court and an important hospital, the biggest of Cilento area. In August in Vallo there is an important jazz event, with great musicians such as Hal Singer and Benny Golson. The structure Fiere di Vallo organizes many events.
The castle called Castello Capano was built in 1290 and according to tradition
Saint Alphonse stayed there several times. And the sea of Pollica surely deserves
a bath. The nicest spots are Acciaroli and Pioppi. Maybe the famous writer Ernst Hemingway found in this area his inspiration for the famous novel The old man and the sea. Acciaroli and Pioppi are famous for their crystalline water, the fine and white sand, and the facilities. They have been awarded with the Blue Flag by Foundation for Environmental Education and with the Cinque vele by Legambiente. |
