| SOUTHERN CILENTO, FROM THE VALLEY OF BUSSENTO TO THE TERRITORY OF LAMBRO AND MINGARDO
The area of Basso Cilento is edged by rivers of Bussento, Lambro, and Mingardo: it includes the towns of Alfano, Ascea, Camerota, Casaletto Spartano, Caselle in Pittari, Celle di Bulgheria, Centola, Cuccaro Vetere, Futani, Ispani, Laurito, Montano Antilia, Morigerati, Pisciotta, Roccagloriosa, Rofrano, San Giovanni a Piro, San Mauro La Bruca, Santa Marina, Sapri, Torraca, Torre Orsaia, Tortorella, and Vibonati. Visitors are enchanted by the crystalline sea, the Middle Ages hamlets, and the uncontaminated nature. Here tourists will find several opportunities for different and unforgettable holidays. In these places there is an exciting mix of art, culture, nature, history, and traditions.
Olive trees are an important resource. The olives from the olive trees of Pisciotta are used to produce the important Oil of Cilento (having the DOP mark). Among the tasty traditional recipes, there is “cimardola”, a dish made of vegetables (tomatoes, aubergines, courgettes, and potatoes) seasoned with oil and salt. A typical product of Bussento is mozzarella seasoned with myrtle. Chestnut trees are considered an important resource.
In this territory history meets legends. Palinuro is a famous sea town in the municipality of Centola and takes its name from the coachman of Enea that according to tradition died in the sea of Centola Coast. In fact there are many interesting archaeological sites, such as Molpa, Roccagloriosa (excavations of Fistelia) and Elea – Velia (Ascea), where the famous Eleatic school of Philosophy developed. In this area there was the discovery of the famous Porta Rosa, the only example of pointed arch of Greek period in Magna Graecia.
Marina di Asceaoffers
a long beach (almost 5 km): it is 50-80 m wide. The beach is divided into two
parts by a promontory: one side is sandy (the northern part); the other side
is made of rocks, it is the southern part where there are only small creeks and
beaches. The sea is crystalline.A boat trip leads tourist to two beautiful creeks:
Baia della Rondinella and Baia d'Argento.
Travelling to South, you will find Palinuro, one of the most famous tourists places of southern Italy. The sea is uncontaminated as well as the coasts, with wonderful beaches, creeks, hidden caves. The caves attract tourists every year, not only in summer. The most famous caves, especially among divers, are the ones called Grotta d'Argento and Grotta Azzurra (their names come from the colours created in them by waters and sunlight, Argent means silver and Azzurra is blue). The natural arch of Palinuro surely deserves a visit: this is a natural rocky arch in the sea and hides a wonderful creek.
Marina di Camerota has small wonderful hidden creeks, attainable only by sea, wonderful caves, harsh and picturesque rocks, uncontaminated beaches, and a prosperous Mediterranean bush covering the hills. Olive trees create a beautiful landscape.
In Montano Antilia there is an international festival dedicated to traditional games and toys, Festival Internazionale del Gioco e del Giocattolo di Tradizione: the festival is also a perfect occasion to visit the beautiful church dedicated to San Nicola di Mira, of Byzantine origin and to eat the typical rice with pepperoni, meat, and peas (this dish is called pariglia). Alfano is surrounded by uncontaminated nature and offers the possibility to enjoy exciting excursions. The most important and loved event is the feast dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary when the statue of Our Lady is brought in procession by six girls.
In Cuccaro Vetere there is the beautiful church dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle, with paintings of 1700, wood statues, and an organ. This small centre still preserves its 1800 charms, with alleys, inns, churches, palaces, portals. In Santa Marina tourists will enjoy a wonderful panorama from the church dedicated to Our Lady, Santa Maria della Croce. In this area there is also the interesting Diocesan Museum of Policastro Bussentino, with precious works of art.
Tortorella is considered the town of birds because there are wonderful species, such as turtle-doves, sparrows, imperial crows, and others. The church dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption deserves a visit with the XVIII century small chapel, that contains the relics of Saint Felix, the martyr. There is also a beautiful chapel dedicated to Our Lady, Santa Maria dei Martiri.
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