THE TOWNS OF VALLO DI DIANO TOURISM PROMOTERS

EXCURSION GROUPS

HIGHWAY EXITS FOR VALLO DI DIANO

Gruppo Escursionistico del CAI SalernoVia dei canali, 17 - 84121 Salernotel. 089252788www.caisalerno.itinfo@caisalerno.it

Gruppo Escursionistico Trekking (GET) Vallo di Diano Via Provinciale84030 Silla di Sassano - Salerno tel. 097572586cell. 3383095044 – 3338515442www.getvallodidiano.it info@getvallodidiano.it

NATURE AREAS

National Park Cilento andVallo di DianoVia F. Palumbo,16 (Palazzo Mai-nenti)84078 Vallo della Lucania - Salerno tel. 0974719911www.pncvd.it - ente@pncvd.it

Nature Reserve Cerreta CognoleSS. 19 to the south, 5 km afterMontesano Scalotel. 089253900visiting hours: Summer 9-20, Win-ter 9-17Free admission

By trainTake the Roma-Reggio Cal-

abria line to the Battipaglia sta-tion. Then take continuing Trenitaliaservice to Vallo di Diano. Timeta-bles are available at www.treni-talia.it.

By planeFrom Naples Capodichino Airport:Take bus no. 35 to the Naples Cen-tral Railroad Station (departuresevery 30 minutes). Trains leaveevery hour for Battipaglia, whereyou can pick up continuing servicewith Trenitalia to Vallo di Diano.From Salerno-Pontecagnano: busservice or taxi to the Salerno Rail-road Station. Trains leave everyhour to Battipaglia or Eboli, whereyou can take continuing Trenitaliaservice to Vallo di Diano.

By busPrivate bus lines connect principalItalian cities (Rome, Naples, Siena,

Potenza and Salerno) and sometowns in Vallo.For more information: www.cur-cioviaggi.it; www.simetspa.it;www.viaggiruocco.it.

By carTake Autostrada [Highway] A3 inthe direction of Salerno-ReggioCalabria (Polla, Atena Lucana, SalaConsilina and Padula-Buonabita-colo exits). Part of SS19 follows theCalabrian Regia Strada from thetime the Bourbons ruled, andcrosses Vallo in a north-south di-rection.If you are coming from Basilicatayou can take SS598 from Brienzato Atena Lucana or SS103 fromGrumento to Montesano sullaMarcellana.If you are coming from theTyrrhenian coast you can takeSS517 from Golfo di Policastro andPalinuro to Sanza, or SS166 degliAlburni to San Rufo, crossing theCilento Mountains.

ATENA LUCANATommasoni Viaggic.da Serrone (no number)tel. 0975779165 - fax 0975779165tommasoniviaggi@alice.it

PADULARuocco ViaggiVia Nazionale, 258tel./fax 097574008ruocco@vipnet.itA.L.MA. Turist ServiceViale Certosa, 63tel. 097577023 - fax 0975778859

PERTOSACrysalideVia Santa Maria, 35tel./fax 0975397140info@crysalide.it

POLLACurcio Viaggi e TurismoPiazza del Pontetel./fax 0975375039info@curcioviaggi.it

SALA CONSILINACarucci TravelVia Nazionale, 125tel./fax 097522346info@caruccitravel.comLammardoVia Trinità, 1Atel. 0975545107 - fax 097545672info@viaggilammardo.itwww.viaggilammardo.it

TEGGIANORicciardone Travel AgencyVia Matinelle, 60tel. 097570177 - fax 097570370ricciardone@tiscali.it

ATENA LUCANAMunicipalityViale Kennedy, 2tel. 0975576001www.comune.atenalucana.sa.itPro Loco (Tourism Office)“Athena Nova”Largo Vittorio Emanueletel. 097576030

BUONABITACOLOMunicipalityVia Roma, 1tel. 0975321211www.comune.buonabitacolo.sa.itPro Loco (Tourism Office)Via Roma,149tel. 0975321873prolocobuonabitacolo@libero.it

CASALBUONOMunicipalityVia Municipiotel. 0975862025www.comune.casalbuono.sa.itPro Loco (Tourism Office)Via Pasquale Falci (contact the Municipality)

MONTE SAN GIACOMOMunicipalityVia Sant’Annatel. 097575006 - fax 097575250comunemsgiacomo@tiscali.itPro Loco (Tourism Office)Via Michele Alettatel. 097575032laredazione@montesangiacomo.comwww.montesangiacomo.com

MONTESANO SULLA MARCELLANAMunicipalityPiazza Filippo Gagliardi, 1tel. 0975865211 - 0975865220www.comune.montesano.sa.itPro Loco (Tourism Office)c/o Biblioteca ComunalePiazza Filippo Gagliardicell. 3387641240www.prolocomontesano.it

PADULAMunicipalityLargo Municipiotel. 0975778711 - fax 097577553www.comune.padula.sa.itPro Loco (Tourism Office)Via Italo Balbo, 45tel. 0975778611 - fax 0975778114infoprolocopadulavipnet.itwww.prolocopadula.com

PERTOSAMunicipalityVia Santa Maria, 29tel. 0975397028www.comune.pertosa.sa.itPro Loco (Tourism Office)Viale Muraglione, 33tel. 097523298 - 097545396 (also fax)

POLLAMunicipalityVia Strada delle Monache, 1tel. 0975376111www.comune.polla.sa.itPro Loco (Tourism Office)“Tanagro Pollese”Via Cristo Retel. 0975391447prolocotanagropolla@email.it

SALA CONSILINAMunicipalityVia Mezzacapotel. 0975525211www.sala-consilina.salerno.itPro Loco (Tourism Office)Via Fratelli Bandiera, 2(contact the Municipality)

SAN PIETRO AL TANAGROMunicipalityPiazza Enrico Quaranta, 1tel. 0975399326 - fax 0975396047www.comune.sanpietroaltanagro.sa.itPro Loco (Tourism Office)Piazza Enrico Quarantatel. 0975399326prolocosanpietro@tiscali.it

SAN RUFOMunicipalityVia Roma, 1tel. 0975395013comune.sanrufo@vipnet.itPro Loco (Tourism Office)Via Mazzinitel. 0975395155

SANT’ARSENIOMunicipalityPiazza Domenico Pica, 1tel. 0975398033www.comune.santarsenio.sa.itPro Loco (Tourism Office)Piazza Domenico Picatel. 0975399402www.prolocosantarsenio.comprolocosantarsenio@libero.it

SANZA

MunicipalityPiazza XXIV Maggiotel. 0975322536www.comune.sanza.sa.itPro Loco (Tourism Office)at the town hallwww.comune.sanza.sa.it

SASSANO

MunicipalityVia Crocetel. 097578809 - fax 0975518946www.comune.sassano.sa.itPro Loco (Tourism Office)“Pro Loco 80” at the town hall www.comune.sassano.sa.it“Pro Loco Sassano”Via Provincialetel./fax 097572319 - 097572047

TEGGIANO

MunicipalityVia Municipio, 1tel. 0975587811www.comune.teggiano.sa.itPro Loco (Tourism Office)Via Municipiotel. 097579600info@prolocoteggiano.itwww.prolocoteggiano.itSoc.Coop.a.r.l. ParadhosisPiazza Valentino Vignonetel. 097579053info@paradhosis.itwww.paradhosis.it

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DIRECTIONS TO VALLO DI DIANO

[B3] CHURCH OF S. PIETRO APOSTOLO(San Pietro al Tanagro)

[B3] PALAZZO RINALDO(San Rufo)

[B3] CHURCH OF ANNUNZIATA(Sant’Arsenio)

[B7] AFFONDATORE DI VALLIVONA(Sanza)

[C6] PEGLIO BRIDGE(Sassano)

[C5] CHURCH OF S. ANTUONO(Teggiano)

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A B C D E F G

Via delle Calabrie

Via delle Calabrie

Via delle Calabrie

Via delle Calabrie

Via Bussentina

Via B

usse

ntin

a

Via Provinciale del Corticato

Via Provinciale Teggiano-Polla

Via degli Alburni

Via degli Alburni

Via Caiazzano

Via Provinciale del Corticato

Vallo di Diano

NAPOLICasalbuono

SanzaBuonabitacolo

SassanoMonte San Giacomo

TeggianoSan Rufo

San Pietro al TanagroSant’Arsenio

PertosaPolla

Atena Lucana

Sala Consilina

Padula

Montesanosulla Marcellana

AeroportoCapodichinoAeroportoCapodichino

AeroportoPontecagnanoAeroportoPontecagnano

Highway

State RoadProvincial Road

Archeology

Waterfalls

Castle and Towers

Historic Center

Churches, Abbeys and Monasteries

Fountains

Grottoes

Museums

Nature Sites

Palaces

Bridges

Baths

[C3] ABBEY OF S. MARIA DELLA COLOMBA(Atena Lucana)

TOUR I S T MAP

VALLODI DIANO

[D7] SAN DONATO FOUNTAIN(Buonabitacolo)

[E8] CHURCH OF S. MARIA DELLE GRAZIE(Casalbuono)

[C5] PALAZZO MARONE(Monte San Giacomo)

[E7] CITY MUSEUM(Montesano sulla Marcellana)

[E5] JOE PETROSINO HOME-MUSEUM (Padula)

[B1] MAREMANICO WATERFALL(Pertosa)

[B1-2] MAUSOLEUM OF GAIO UZIANO RUFO(Polla)

Pertosa or AngeloGrottoes

Maremanico Waterfall

Polla Pass Tavern

Calvanello Castle ruins

CyclopeanWalls

Shrine of Santa Mariadella Colomba

Chapel of the Madonna del Sito Alto

Sala Consilina Castle

Church of SS. Trinità

Grotto of Sassano

Ruins of the Monasteryof S. Angelo in Fonte

Baptistry of San Giovanni in Fonti

Shrine of Madonna del Monte Romito

Certosa ofSan LorenzoSan Brunone

Arch

Ruins at Cosilinum

Shrine of San Michelealle Grottelle

San FrancescoMonastery

Abbey of Santa Maria di Cadossa

ThermeMontesanto

CasalbuonoCastle

Shrine of the MonteCarmelo

RiotortoGrottoes

Memorial toCarlo Pisacane

Affondatoredi Vallivona

Grotto of theMadonna della Neve

Vallicelli Grottoes

Inghiottitoiodi Varlacarla

Abate Bridge

Shrine of San Michele Arcangelo

Polla Grottoes

Mausoleum ofGaio Uziano Rufo

NATURE RESERVECERRETA COGNOLE

VALLEY OFTHE ORCHIDS

N A T I O N A L

P A R K

C I L E N T O

A N D V A L L O

D I D I A N O

[D4] GRANCIA DI SAN LORENZO(Sala Consilina)

TOURIST MAP

VALLODIDIANO

COMUNITÀMONTANA

VALLODIDIANO

P.O.R. Campania 2000-2006 - FESR - P.I. G.A.C. “Certosa di Padula: per un sistema culturale-turistico del Vallo di Diano” - Asse II - Misura 2.1 - Azione D - Progetto “Agenzia per lo Svi-luppo del Vallo di Diano - Studio della Domanda e Coordinamento dell’Offerta Turistica”

[D8] ABATE BRIDGE [Ponte l’Abate] (Sanza)This medieval bridge served the function of connecting Sanza with Caselle in Pit-tari and the path to Brancato using a strada regia [main road]. The Brancato pathleads to the old town mill, whose ruins are worth seeing. They include two largemillstones, which were turned by water from the Bussento River, which poweredthe mill and the ironworks.DIRECTIONS: take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3; turn left onto SS19 andthen right onto SS517 in the direction of Sanza for 13 km; turn right on SP18 for3 km to Ponte Secco; turn left and continue for 3 km.

[E7] ABBEY OF SANTA MARIA DI CADOSSA (Montesano sulla Marcellana)A Benedictine settlement of medieval origins, its pres-ent-day structure reflects changes made in the 16th cen-tury following its conversion into a grange of thePadula Certosa. DIRECTIONS: Take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3,turn left onto SS19 for about 3 kilometers; turn left

onto SS103 for about 10 kilometers; at the playing field turn right and follow thetown road for about 2 kilometers.INFORMATION: The abbey is open the first Sunday in August for the San Cono pro-cession.

[D4] ACCIARI CHAPEL AND PALACE (Sala Consilina)Taking Via Albinio, you will come to the Acciari Chapel and Palace. It has a monu-mental entrance between two high columns. Inside the chapel is a splendid altarby Giacomo Colombo. The church is private property.INFORMATION: parish of San Pietro Apostolo, tel. 0975.79053.

[B7] AFFONDATORE DI VALLIVONA (Sanza)This awe-inspiring sinkhole, a fascinating tear in the earth and the source of theBussento River, is on the southwestern side of Mount Cervati at an altitude of 1,100meters above sea level. The sinkhole is elliptical in shape with overhanging cliffsthat are 60 to 100 meters high.DIRECTIONS: take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3 and turn left onto SS19,then right onto SS517 in the direction of Sanza for 13 kilometers; turn right ontoSP18 for 10 kilometers to the junction with the Mount Cervati road; go another 4kilometers.INFORMATION: Sanza Pro Loco [tourist association]: prolocodisanza@libero.it.

[D5] BAPTISTRY OF SAN GIOVANNI IN FONTI (Padula)Hidden in greenery and built over the waters of a perennialspring, the baptistry is the oldest monument in the area (5th cen-tury B.C.). In the 12th century the baptistry was turned into achurch and was given the name San Giovanni in Fonti. In the 18thcentury it underwent an even more drastic transformation withthe addition of a second story and a change in orientation.DIRECTIONS: Take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3 and turnright onto SS19 in the direction of Padula-Sala Consilina. Afteryou pass Padula follow SS19 and turn right at Contrada Fonti.

[B3] BORGO SERRONE (Sant’Arsenio)This is the oldest and most charming section of Sant’Arsenio, and the recent siteof urban renewal. Here you can pick up Mount Carmelo-Lago path no. 364, whichleads to Mount Carmelo. From there you will have a great view of Vallo di Diano.

[B3] CALVANELLO CASTLE RUINS (San Rufo)The ruins of the castle, which was probably built in the highMiddle Ages, overlook the valley, which is why it is believedit was used primarily as a lookout. The ruins show evidenceof two large rooms with arrow openings, connected to acourtyard where there was a cistern.DIRECTIONS: Take the Atena Lucana exit off A3, which will put

you on SS166 in the direction of San Rufo, and continue for about 6 km to the Cal-vanello resort; turn right and follow the path for about 1,500 meters to the castle ruins.

[E8] CASALBUONO CASTLE OR BARON’S PALACEPositioned for control the Capua-Reggio Calabria road,the fortification, which was already in existence in the13th century, was equipped by the Sanseverino familywhen they occupied it in the 15th century. In moderntimes the small castle was transformed into a noblepalace and the [original] structure is no longer visible. INFORMATION: Town of Casalbuono, tel. 0975.862025.

[F7, EF8] CERRETA COGNOLE REGIONAL PRESERVE (Montesano sullaMarcellana)

This is one of the largest and most beautiful forests in theprovince of Salerno. Its woods are lush with oaks, horn-beam, manna ash, chestnut trees, maples and pines criss-crossed with easy paths.DIRECTIONS: from Montesano, take SS 19 in the direction ofCasalbuono. Turn right after about 4 km and follow signsto the preserve.

INFORMATION: Salerno Corpo Forestale [Forestry Department], tel. 089.253900.

[D4] CHAPEL OF THE MADONNA DEL SITO ALTO (Sala Consilina)At the top of Monte Sito Marsicano (altitude 1467 m.) youwill find the Chapel of the Madonna del Sito Alto, wherethe Virgin Mary has been revered from time immemorialand which houses a stone statue of the Virgin and Child. DIRECTIONS: Take the Sala Consilina exit off A3, turn leftand follow SS19 to Sant’Antonio. Turn left and follow the

town road to the high point, about 7 km.INFORMATION: parish of San Pietro Apostolo, tel. 0975.22389.

[BC2] CHAPEL OF SAN ANTUONO (Polla)This chapel, which is now private, features two superimposed painting cycles in itsapse. The more recent dates to the 15th century and depicts, on the ceiling, ChristPantokrator above haloed figures. Remains of the older painting can be seen inthe semicircle – six apostles giving a blessing. It dates from the 12th century and isByzantine in style.

[D7] CHAPEL OF SAN DOMENICO (Buonabitacolo)There are numerous echoes of the Padula Certosa in this chapel: the ornate stuccodecorations are reminiscent of the Cappella del Tesoro; the pavement was defi-nitely inspired by the church. The gesso and mother-of-pearl altar front was prob-ably made in the same workshop as those on the altars of the Certosa’s chapels.INFORMATION: weekdays in the town of Buonabitacolo, tel. 0975.321211; holidays,at 333.4295750.

[D4] CHAPEL OF SAN GIUSEPPE (Sala Consilina)The façade of this church, built in 1735 by the wealthy Bigotti family, strictly alongthe lines of the Padula Certosa, is a notable example of the Salerno Baroque style.Worth noting is the solution used at the corners of the façade, which have beensmoothed into a convex shape.INFORMATION: Town of Sala Consilina-Technical Department, tel. 0975.525277.

[D7] CHAPEL OF SANTA MARIA DEGLI ANGELI (Buonabitacolo)The church’s unusual facade (1703), which has two superimposed rows of loggias,disguises the central interior floor plans. It is covered with a dome and frescoedwith a procession of angels and biblical scenes. The left wall of the loggia featuresa beautiful fresco depicting Mary’s birth.INFORMATION: on weekdays in the town of Buonabitacolo, tel. 0975.321211; on hol-idays, at 333.4295750.

[E5] CHAPEL OF SANTA MARIA DI COSTANTINOPOLI (Padula)This Chapel, built in 1772, is located in the Croce district facing Palazzo Romano.It is decorated with stucco and a wooden panel depicting the Madonna.INFORMATION: to visit, ring at the front door: the Romano family.

[C7] CHAPEL OF SAN VITO (Sanza)This 19th century structure houses a large Padula stone altar (1720) in the late-baroque style and a wooden statue of San Vito (1776), both originally from anolder Chapel of San Vito, whose whereabouts are unknown.DIRECTIONS: take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3, turn left onto SS19 andthen right onto SS517 in the direction of Sanza; when you get to Piazza XXIV Mag-gio, turn left onto Via San Vito for about 100 meters.INFORMATION: parish of Santa Maria Assunta and San Francesco d’Assisi, tel.0975.322018.

[C5] CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE (Teggiano)The cathedral, which was consecrated with great pomp in 1274, probably datesto early Christian times. Partially rebuilt after the 1857 earthquake, it has a beau-tiful side doorway and ornate interior decorations. The tomb of Enrico Sansev-erino is located here.INFORMATION: parish of Santa Maria Maggiore and San Michele Arcangelo,tel. 339.7906386.

[E5] CERTOSA OF SAN LORENZO (Padula)Built in 1306 by the Sanseverino family and later given tothe Carthusians, it is now a UNESCO “World Heritage Site.”Little remains of the medieval structure except the frame-work, due to continuous expansion by the wealthy monas-tic order. In the 17th and 18th centuries it underwent asplendid metamorphosis into the baroque style and itslights lit up all of the Vallo region, decidedly influencingthe cultural development of the region. INFORMATION: closed Tuesdays, tel. 0975.77745.

[B3] CHURCH OF THE ANNUNZIATA (Sant’Arsenio)The interior of this church (1709) features a noteworthy group of wooden sculp-tures, including the Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin, with a backdrop painted oncanvas some believe to be the work of Francesco Solimena.INFORMATION: parish of Santa Maria Maggiore, tel. 0975.396158.

[D7] CHURCH OF THE SS. ANNUNZIATA (Buonabitacolo)This is the oldest church in the town but was significantly changed during the 18thand 19th centuries. Inside, above the altar, you can see the Annunciation, a workin wood by Giacomo Colombo from about 1680. Of note also is an unusual 17th-century wooden reliquary located in a chapel to the right. INFORMATION: parish of the SS. Annunziata, tel. 328.6597752.

[E5] CHURCH OF THE SS. TRINITÀ (Sala Consilina)Built of local stone, repeatedly rebuilt over the centuries after earthquakes, thischurch features a three-level belltower with a clock and gothic windows on allfour sides.DIRECTIONS: take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3. Turn right on SS19 to thehamlet of Trinità di Sala Consilina. INFORMATION: parish of SS. Trinità, tel. 0975.22594.

[CD2] CHURCH OF CRISTO RE AND SACRO CUORE DI GESÙ (Polla)This church, located in the lower part of the town, houses the PalaVillano, which depicts a view of the town. This altarpiece, commis-sioned in 1630 by the Villano family, feudal lords of Polla, showsGiovanni Villano giving up his feudal lands to his brother, FrancescoAntonio, who can be seen on the right. INFORMATION: parish of Cristo Re and Sacro Cuore di Gesù, tel.0975.391037.

[D5] CHURCH OF SANT’ANDREA (Teggiano)This church is located along the principal north-south road (which follows the linesof the ancient Roman settlement) of the town. Its façade features architecturaland sculptural elements from the Roman epoch. INFORMATION: parish of Santa Maria Maggiore and San Michele Arcangelo, tel.339.7906386.

[F7] CHURCH OF SANT’ANNA (Montesano sulla Marcellana)This church is a scenic backdrop for the town’s main piazza with itstwo belltowers standing against the sky. This impressive religiousbuilding was built over the ancient Chapel of Santa Sofia, whosedoorway can still be seen in its original location along with a few al-tars and two epigraphs documenting its 1541 reconstruction and1787 expansion.INFORMATION: parish of Sant’Anna, tel. 0975.91032.

[F6] CHURCH OF SAN CLEMENTE (Padula)This 13th century church was completely rebuilt after a 19th century earthquake.This is where the Padula nobility attended mass from atop a gallery they reachedfrom a corridor connected to the belltower. The belltower opens onto the gardenin front of the castle, of which little remains.INFORMATION: parish of San Michele Arcangelo, tel. 0975.91035.

[D6] CHURCH OF SAN GIACOMO (Monte San Giacomo)The mother church of San Giacomo, rebuilt in the 20th century along the lines ofthe preexisting 16th century church, is a collection of the town’s artistic treasures.These include a 17th century wooden crucifix, a colorful sculpture of San Giacomoattributed to Giacomo Colombo and a Late Mannerist-style painting depicting theadoration of the shepherds.INFORMATION: parish of San Giacomo, tel. 0975.79682.

[D6] CHURCH OF SAN GIOVANNI EVANGELISTA (Sassano)Built in 1452 and enlarged at the end of the 16th century, it houses one of themost noteworthy wooden sculptures in the Vallo region: the Madonna delle Gra-zie, a piece of extraordinary craftsmanship discovered some years ago under stuccoand layers of paint. It was probably part of a larger group of 16th century sculp-tures attributed to the Spaniard Bartolomeo Ordóñez.INFORMATION: parish of San Giovanni Evangelista, tel. 0975.78348.

[F7] CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA (Montesano sulla Marcellana)Built at the beginning of the 18th century, this church, whose brickwork is in theshape of a Greek cross, has a cupola covered by a dome shell and terracotta tiles. INFORMATION: to visit, contact the town of Montesano sulla Marcellana, tel.0975.865231.

[D8] CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA (Sanza)Rebuilt in the 16th century, this church houses three busts of saints in Padula stonecarved by Andrea Carrara in 1742. There is also a splendid 14th century crucifixand a medieval sarcophagus.INFORMATION: parish of Santa Maria Assunta and San Francesco d’Assisi, tel. 0975.322018.

[D6] CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA DEI CERRI (Monte San Giacomo)This church houses the image of the Madonna Protettricedei Boschi [Madonna who protects the forest]. On thefirst Sunday after Pentecost, an impressive processionwinds for 4 kilometers through woods and uplands in herhonor.DIRECTIONS: take Avenida do Brasil from the main piazza.INFORMATION: parish of San Giacomo, tel. 0975.79682.

[CD2] CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA DEI GRECI (Polla)Closed at present, it is one of the oldest religious spaces in Polla. It was rebuiltafter the earthquake at the end of the 17th century.INFORMATION: parish of San Nicola dei Latini and Santa Maria dei Greci, tel.0975.390228.

[F6] CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA DELLA CIVITA (Padula)Today an unusual dwelling with an apse, it was built by the first citizens of Padula,who affirmed with that name their enduring ties with the abandoned civitas ofCosilinum. Old-timers remember that the apse was decorated with a cycle of paint-ings, which were covered with plaster when the space was turned into a residence.

[F8] CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA DELLE GRAZIE (Casalbuono) This church, located in the center of the town of Casalbuono, preserves traces ofmodifications made by the Carthusian monks when the feudal lands were given tothe Certosa of San Lorenzo.INFORMATION: parish of Santa Maria delle Grazie, tel. 333.1698073.

[C1] CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA DELLE GRAZIE (Pertosa)This church was reconstructed in 1902 after an earthquake. It boasts ancient ori-gins: it was built around 1000 by Italo-Greek monks near a small spring. The inte-rior features a fresco of the Madonna delle Grazie from the end of the 15thcentury, and the apse has a large painting of the Immacolata from 1598, which isattributed to Bernardo Lama.INFORMATION: parish of Santa Maria delle Grazie, tel. 0975.3902228.

[D3] CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE (Atena Lucana)This church is medieval in origin and was completely rebuilt during the baroque period,with the exception of its 14th century belltower. Inside, of note is the decorative cycleby Nicola Peccheneda, depicting a series of episodes from the life of the Virgin Mary –located in the apse – and eight saints along the lateral walls of the nave.INFORMATION: parish of Santa Maria Maggiore, tel. 0975.75341.

[C3] CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE (Sant’Arsenio)The church has a beautiful crucifix and wooden statues of San Vito and San-t’Arsenio (attributed to Giacomo Colombo). It also features three large canvases byPeccheneda and a panel depicting the Madonna del Rosario from the 16th century,which may be Flemish.INFORMATION: town of Sant’Arsenio, tel. 0975.398033.

[D5] CHURCH OF SAN MICHELE ARCANGELO (Teggiano)This church dates to the Norman epoch (12th century) but theremay have been a preexisting church because of its name – SanMichele was the saint most venerated by the Lombards – and itsspare, high-medieval construction. A portico leads to the churchentrance and is to the side and not in front of the altar. The wallfacing the apse has a loggia where the organ is located today butat one time it may have been the site of an ecclesiastical court.INFORMATION: parish of Santa Maria Maggiore and San MicheleArcangelo, tel. 339.7906386.

[F6] CHURCH OF SAN NICOLA DE DONNIS OR DELLE DONNE [of thewomen] (Padula)This church was recently restored after having been abandoned. It is of particulararchitectural significance for all of southern Italy. The existing presbytery was builtin the high Middle Ages. It has a cupola and is composed of three semicircularspaces and an underlying crypt. During the 9th and 11th centuries the rectangu-lar space was added. INFORMATION: parish of San Michele Arcangelo, tel. 0975. 91035.

[CD2] CHURCH OF SAN NICOLA DEI LATINI (Polla)The first reference to this church dates to 1383. It was rebuilt in the 16th centurywith a doorway featuring two lions holding up columns (the one on the right holdsthe sun, symbol of Polla). On top is a lunette with a carving of San Nicola with amiter, a crosier and holding the Gospel. Inside are a number of valuable paintings.INFORMATION: parish of San Nicola dei Latini and Santa Maria dei Greci, tel.0975.390228.

[CD2] CHURCH OF SAN PIETRO (Polla)The remains of a 14th century painting cycle in the rectangular apses that were re-vealed during a recent restoration make this church different from most ruralchurches. The theory is that it served as a family monastery for the Polla nobility,who are identified in the preliminary drawing of the Madonna on the throne withthe saints on the left apse.INFORMATION: parish of San Pietro, tel. 0975.79053.

[C3] CHURCH OF SAN PIETRO APOSTOLO (San Pietro al Tanagro)Rebuilt from scratch between 1815 and 1824, thischurch features an 18th century-style doorway withsimple floral decorations topped by a niche with astatue of the Redeemer holding up the world. Inside isa wooden bust of the saint in pontifical robes sculptedby Giacomo Colombo in 1713. INFORMATION: parish of San Pietro Apostolo and

Benedetto, tel. 0975.375055.

[E4] CHURCH OF SAN STEFANO PROTOMARTIRE (Sala Consilina)This church is a little jewel in Sala Consilina and was built during the Norman pe-riod (12th century). A fresco on the façade is from this period. It depicts the Re-deemer and was discovered during a recent restoration. The interior consists of asingle nave with a series of chapels along the side – the result of rebuilding ef-forts in modern times.INFORMATION: parish of San Stefano Protomartire, tel. 0975.22594.

[D5] CHURCH OF SANT’ANTUONO (Teggiano)This is one of the oldest churches in Teggiano. The doorway architrave is deco-rated with an arboreal motif with an inscription in Gothic letters. Inside you willadmire a Madonna and Child in Byzantine style, painted on the left wall.Information: to visit the church, you must ask for the key at the house in the smallalley to the immediate right of the church.

[D5] CHURCH AND CONVENT OF THE SS. PIETÀ (Teggiano)Built for a community of Benedictine nuns at the beginningof the 14th century, it was later transferred to the Francis-cans (1474) by the Sanseverino family. The lunette above thechurch doorway depicts a Pietà attributed to Francesco daSicignano or an imitator. In the convent refectory a frescodepicting the Journey to Calvary is a metaphor for the his-

tory of the Sanseverino family and local politics.INFORMATION: parish of Sant’Agostino, tel. 333.7906386.

[F7] CITY MUSEUM [Museo Civico] (Montesano sulla Marcellana)This museum documents the artisanal traditions of Vallo di Diano. The museum in-cludes hundreds of objects from daily life and work organized into two sections:rural culture and archeology. INFORMATION: town of Montesano sulla Marcellana, tel. 0975.865229.

[D3] CYCLOPEAN WALLS [Mura ciclopiche] (Atena Lucana, Serrone)It is believed that the megalithic walls encircled the hill south of Atena and formeda semi-ellipse of about 2 km, which would have coincided with the eastern andwestern extremes of the existing town. DIRECTIONS: take the Atena Lucana exit off A3 onto SS598 and continue to AtenaLucana. After 3 km turn right onto the town road and continue for about 1 km.

[C7] COZZI HOUSE (Sanza)On Via Sotto S. Giovanni, a narrow street in the westernmost part of the historiccenter, you will find an unusual crenellated palace with an austere stone doorway.If you knock, you can ask the proprietors to show you the beautiful interior court-yard featuring an upper level loggia, which can be reached by using a character-istic exterior Neapolitan staircase. INFORMATION: Sanza Pro Loco: prolocodisanza@libero.it.

[D5] DIOCESAN MUSEUM [Museo Diocesano] (Teggiano)This museum, a former church from the Angevin period, housessculptures and frescoes from the Roman era through the 18thcentury. Of particular note is the Compianto sul Cristo Morto[Mourning over the Dead Christ] (1510- 1512), a group of life-size multicolored wooden statues by Giovanni da Nola, one ofthe greatest Neapolitan sculptors.INFORMATION: tel. 0975.79930.

[E4] GRANCIA DI S. LORENZO [San Lorenzo Grange]; NOW THE ANTI-QUARIUM COMUNALE [Town Antiquarium] (Sala Consilina)The grange was probably built in the 16th century to manage the Certosa’s lands.Today this building, with its beautiful courtyard and interior arcade, houses a li-brary and the City Antiquarium while the Capuchin monastery is being restored.INFORMATION: Soprintendenza Beni Archeologici Office in Sala Consilina, tel.0975.22026.

[C7] GROTTO OF THE MADONNA DELLA NEVE (Sanza)The Madonna della Neve is venerated at the summit of Mount Cervati, which is thefocus of a spectacular pilgrimage that heads there from Sanza every July 26. Dur-ing the novena (July 27-August 4) the entrance to the gorge, which is usuallyclosed with a gate, is opened. DIRECTIONS: take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3, and follow SS517 in the di-rection of Sanza for 13 km; turn right on SP18 for 10 km to the intersection withthe Mount Cervati mountain road. Continue for another 12 km to the top ofMount Cervati.INFORMATION: parish of Santa Maria Assunta, tel. 0975.322018.

[E5] GROTTO OF SASSANOThis grotto, known as “del Pino,” is not accessible, unfortunately. It was discov-ered while a building was being constructed on the south side of Cozzo dell’Uovo.It shows traces of human habitation from the end of the Copper Age through themiddle of the Bronze Age (that is, from the 24th to the 15th century B.C.). Accesswas blocked by debris for almost three millennia.

[D5] HERB MUSEUM [Museo delle Erbe] (Teggiano)This museum displays commonly used seeds, herbs and plants that are part of therural and empirical folk wisdom handed down over the generations.INFORMATION: Teggiano Pro Loco, tel. 0975.79600.

[C6] INGHIOTTITOIO DI VARLACARLA [Varlacarla Sinkhole] (Monte SanGiacomo)Also known as the Merola Grotto, it is located at an altitude of about 980 metersabove sea level and extends for a total of 50 meters on several levels. Rituals wereperformed at the site during the Bronze Age (5,000 years ago). It has an abun-dance of terracotta vases and both human and other bones.DIRECTIONS: from the town’s main piazza take Avenida do Brasil. Go past the Masse-ria Rezzo and you will come to the Inghiottitoio di Varlacarla.Informazioni: Town of Mount San Giacomo, tel. 0975.75006.

[E5] JOE PETROSINO HOME-MUSEUM (Padula)The home and museum of Joe Petrosino, a famous policeman who emigrated tothe United States and died fighting the Mafia, is located in the historic center ofPadula, where the road widens along Via Indipendenza (tel. 0975.74395).INFORMATION: www.joepetrosino.org, tel.0975.081009.

[GH7, H8] LAKE CESSUTA, LAKE DI SPIGNO AND PIANA DI MA-GORNO [Magorno Basin] (Montesano sulla Marcellana)The area is a perfect place for excursions, nature walks and a delightful picnic.Lake Cessuta (ideal habitat for wild geese, herons and little birds known as “mar-iuoli” [rascals], as well as for tench and carp), and the nearby and no less charm-ing Lake Magorno are perfect backdrops for a bucolic walk. Forestry and sheepherding are traditional activities in the highlands of Tardiano and Magorno, whereyou will find local dairy specialties and salamis with flavors of bygone times, knownin the Roman era. DIRECTIONS: take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3, turn left onto SS19 forabout 3 km; turn left onto SS103 and continue for about 13 km.

[B1] MAREMANICO WATERFALL (Pertosa)Here the Tanagro River exits the Campostrino Gorge and makes two drops of 10meters to form a small lake. Looking from the bridge you will be able to see theremains of an early 20th century iron mill that became a paper mill and a 12thcentury mill.DIRECTIONS: Take the exit for Polla off A3, follow signs for the Pertosa caves alongSS19. After a series of hairpin turns and crossing two bridges, you will come to thewaterfall.

[C2] MAUSOLEUM OF GAIO UZIANO RUFO (Polla)This mausoleum is from the first imperial era. It has beautiful sculptural decora-tions and an inscription that attests to the love story of Uziano Rufo and the priest-ess Insteia Polla.DIRECTIONS: take the Polla exit off A3, and proceed along SS19 toward town. Afterthe stoplight go straight for about 500 meters, turn left and follow the signs.INFORMATION: town of Polla, tel. 0975.376111.

[D8] MEDIEVAL TOWER (Sanza)This is an unusual belltower with a clock. It was part of a church that no longer exists.INFORMATION: Sanza Pro Loco: prolocodisanza@libero.it.

[D8] MEMORIAL TO CARLO PISACANE [Cippo di Carlo Pisacane] (Sanza)Located at the entrance to the town of Sanza, this stone monument was erectedin 1904 in memory of Pisacane and of those killed at the “massacre of the threehundred” in Padula on July 2, 1857.DIRECTIONS: take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3, and turn left onto SS19;take a right onto SS517 and drive in the direction of Sanza for about 12 km.INFORMATION: Sanza Pro Loco: prolocodisanza@libero.it.

[C1] MIDA 1 GEOLOGY MUSEUM [Museo di Geologia MIDA 1] (Pertosa)Housed in an attractive modern building, this museum offers the opportunity tolearn more about Karst topography and the cave ecosystem through the use of ed-ucational displays, environmental models, documentaries and multimedia pre-sentations.INFORMATION: tel. 0975.397220.

[D5] MUSEUM OF ART AND FOLK TRADITION [Museo delle Arti e delleTradizioni Popolari] (Teggiano)This museum displays instruments used in the wine and oil production cycles andthe processing of hemp and linen. Of particular interest is a 19th century loom forweaving linen. There are also reconstructions of artisanal environments and work,and of daily rural life.INFORMATION: Teggiano Pro loco, tel. 0975.79600.

[CD2] PALAZZO BARONALE [Baronial Palace] (Polla)Along the narrow streets above the center you will find the Baronial Palace, whichwas reconstructed with the entire town by Giovanni Villano after the devastatingearthquake of 1561.INFORMATION: the palace is private property and is not open to the public.

[E5] PADULA CASTLE RUINSThe castle’s history began in the Angevin period, although it is likely that the site,because it is located at the top of a mountain that looks over a good portion ofVallo di Diano, may have been fortified since Norman times. During the 13th and14th centuries it played an important defensive role in the conflict between the Si-cilians and the Aragonese and the feudal lords supporting one or another pre-tender to the throne of Naples in the bloody disputes among the various branchesof the House of Angevin.

[D8] PALAZZO BARONALE (Sanza)This Baronial Palace was the residence of the Sanseverino family, princes of Bisig-nano and lords of Sanza from the end of the 17th century until 1781, when thefeudal lands were sold to Baron Leopardi of Buonabitacolo.INFORMATION: Sanza Pro Loco: prolocodisanza@libero.it.

[D3] PALAZZO BARONALE OR CARACCIOLO (Atena Lucana)This palace was built by the Caracciolo family by destroying the fortress and thussaving on material. The ashlar doorway leads to a corridor with a barrel-vaultedceiling completely covered with colorful coats-of-arms.INFORMATION: the palace is private property and is not open to the public.

[E4] PALAZZO BOVE (Sala Consilina)On Via Silvio Pellico you will see Palazzo Bove (17th-18th century). It is fortifiedwith a semicircular tower and belongs to one of the most influential families inmodern Sala Consilina.INFORMATION: Dr. A. Bove, tel. 0975.22242/45016 or Dr. G. Bove, tel. 0975.45830.

[D5] PALAZZO CARRANO (Teggiano)This palace is adjacent to the Church of San Michele Arcangelo. It is the most note-worthy noble residence in Teggiano. It houses a large archive with documents vitalto the study of the history of Vallo di Diano.INFORMATION: the palace is private property and is not open to the public.

[E4] PALAZZO CASTRATARO-TIERI (Sala Consilina)This palace is at 24 Via Castello along the road to the castle at the highest pointin the town. It includes a piece of the medieval wall that surrounded the city anda tower.INFORMATION: Mr. Michele Petrocelli, tel. 0975.23840.

[D8] PALAZZO CURCIO (Sanza)This palace has a magnificent ashlar doorway with wooden door panels reinforcedwith nails. The doorway leads, as is typical of palaces in this area, to an interiorcourtyard with a cistern and well for domestic needs and staircases to reach theupper residential floors.INFORMATION: Sanza Pro Loco: prolocodisanza@libero.it.

[C4] PALAZZO DE VITA AND PALAZZO PAGANO (San Rufo)Both 19th century palaces adorn the central street, Via Garibaldi. INFORMATION: the two palaces are private property and are closed to the public.

[E4] PALAZZO GRAMMATICO (Sala Consilina)This impressive building (1722) has a paved interior courtyard, which leads to agarden. The upper floors are accessed via a staircase. The doorway is medieval instyle, and the façade is embellished with typical windowsills found throughoutthe Vallo. They have brackets held up by carved heads – always with different facesand expressions.INFORMATION: Michele Santariello, surveyor, tel. 392.1246859.

[C4] PALAZZO LAVIANO AND PALAZZO RINALDO (San Rufo)These two 17th and 18th century noble houses grace Via Mazzini, the town’s mainstreet.INFORMATION: the two palaces are private property and are not open to the public.

[D6] PALAZZO MARONE (Monte San Giacomo)This ancient noble residence was rebuilt in the 19th century and subsequently pur-chased by the town. Today it is the town’s cultural center. It houses an informationcenter, a large meeting room and an exhibition space temporarily displaying arche-ological finds from the Varlacarla and Vallicelli grottoes. INFORMATION: town of Monte San Giacomo, tel. 0975.75006.

[E7] PALAZZO PICINNI-LEOPARDI (Buonabitacolo)This palace is located at the highest point in the town. The building was restoredin the 18th century when the town experienced a flowering of culture; the familybuilt San Domenico Chapel on the other side of the street.INFORMATION: the palace is private property and is not open to the public.

[D6] PEGLIO BRIDGE [Ponte Peglio] (Sassano)This is a bridge from the Roman era along the road to the Valle delle Orchidee.DIRECTIONS: leave from the fountain with three stone masks in the historic centerand take the road that goes up to the Church of San Michele.

[C1] PERTOSA OR ANGELO GROTTOESThirty-five million years old, they are the most noteworthynatural caves in southern Italy. Archeological discoveries re-veal that the place was consecrated as early as the BronzeAge. The tour, which winds among stupendous rock for-mations, is an unforgettable experience.DIRECTIONS: take the Petina exit off A3, and follow the signson SS19. INFORMATION: www.grottedellangelo.sa.it, tel. 0975.397037.

[F5] PIANA DI MANDRANO AND PIANA DI MANDRANELLO (Padula)These are two basins of Karst-tectonic origin located at thesummit of the mountains separating Vallo di Diano from Vald’Agri. They provide important natural reservoirs of drink-ing water for the Campania, Basilicata and Puglia regionsand are notable examples of Karst topography (basins). DIRECTIONS: take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3, turn

right onto SS19. Take a right at SP51. Then take SP273 in the direction of Paternofor 8 km until you arrive in Mandrano.

[C2] POLLA GROTTOESLocated near the Pertosa Grottoes, these grottos are not open to the public, un-fortunately. They are, however, worth mentioning because of their speleologicaland archeological importance.

[D2] POLLA PASS TAVERN AND ELEGY [Taverna del Passo ed Elogio diPolla]The outlying hamlet of S. Pietro di Polla has been identified by historians as the siteof a forum built contemporaneously with Via Popilia-Annia as a rest area. Thesestructures are recorded on the [Polla plaque], an inscription that was found in thistown. It has now been placed in a modern monument near the Taverna del Passo.DIRECTIONS: take the Polla exit off A3. Turn left onto SS 19; turn left at the stoplightand then right onto Via Garibaldi for about 500 m.

[D5] PORTA DELL’ANNUNZIATA (Teggiano)This unique gate is part of the ancient wall that surrounded the city.

[F6] PORTA DI S. ANTONIO OR CHIANCA VECCHIA [old stone] (Padula)This door has a goose carved on the doorjamb, symbol of the Universitas of Padula,and was fortified until recently with a circular tower. It is a 16th century repro-duction of a medieval door that was part of the city walls and was built in 1296 byTommaso Sanseverino under orders from the Angevin rulers.

[D8] PORTA PUNGENTE (Sanza)This is one of five doors into the city, which was protected by a wall that no longerexists. The door got its name (pungente - stinging) from the fact that it was theonly one that could be used after curfew. Anyone latecomer using the door, how-ever, was punished by the guard.INFORMATION: prolocodisanza@libero.it.

[E8] RIOTORTO GROTTOES (Sanza)Currently, only two main chambers with stalactites and stalagmites have been ex-plored. During certain periods of the year they are not accessible because of thestrong water flow from the Rio Torto stream from which they take their name.DIRECTIONS: take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3, and turn left onto SS19;then turn right onto SS517 and proceed in the direction of Sanza for 9 km untilyou reach Rio Torto.INFORMATION: Sanza Pro Loco: prolocodisanza@libero.it.

[F6] RUINS AT COSILINUM (Padula)There are a few remains of the dry-stone city wall and of the five towers of a set-tlement that probably dates to the 4th century B.C. that was built to defend thepopulation in the various towns in times of peril. The Museo Archeologico della Lu-cania Occidentale [Western Lucania Archeological Museum], located in Certosa,features epigraphs and architectural and sculptural fragments from the site. Theseattest to the existence of an organized city with baths, a temple and a theater.DIRECTIONS: take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3, and turn right onto SS19 inthe direction of Padula; continue to the intersection and turn right on SP51, fol-lowing it to San Francesco; turn left and follow the Monte Romito mountain roadfor about 3 km.INFORMATION: Soprintendenza Beni Archeologici [Archeological Heritage] office inSala Consilina, tel. 0975.22026.

[CD2] RUINS OF THE CHURCH OF SAN NICOLA DEI GRECI (Polla)Known to the locals as “Santu Niculicchio,” this church was probably built to rivalan older Greek religious building. It was destroyed by the 1980 earthquake and isused today as an auditorium. Note the beautiful 16th century doorway. Above it,between two angels, a pelican nurtures its young – an allegory for the church,which feeds its children.INFORMATION: parish of San Nicola dei Latini and Santa Maria dei Greci, tel.0975.390228.

[E5] RUINS OF THE MONASTERY OF S. ANGELO IN FONTE (Padula)On a hill, along the pilgrims’ path in the direction of Sala Con-silina, you will find the monastery ruins (14th century), indi-cated by a tower that can still be seen in the sparseunderbrush. The Romanesque and Gothic monastery housed,at the beginning of the 14th century, a community of Cister-cian nuns from the Saint Bernard order.

DIRECTIONS: take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3 and turn right on SS19 in thedirection of Padula-Sala Consilina. After you pass Padula continue on SS19 andturn right on Contrada Fonti, passing the baptistry of San Giovanni in Fonti.

[D4] SALA CONSILINA CASTLE On a hill used as a lookout over the Capua-Reggio road below, above the town,you will see the remains of the imposing Sala Castle, which is said to have beenbuilt by Robert Guiscard after he conquered the Principality of Salerno in 1076, al-though the original foundation probably predates the Norman epoch.DIRECTIONS: Take the Sala Consilina exit off A3, turn left and follow SS19 to thecenter of Sala Consilina. At the top of Piazza Umberto I° turn left and walk alongthe path to the castle.INFORMATION: Castle [Preservation] Group, tel. 0975.520534.

[E6] SAN BRUNONE ARCH (Padula)Built in 1749 of Padula stone, the arch was positioned to line up with the entrancegate of the Certosa. This was a characteristic of the Desertum, where the monkstook their walks, which was off-limits to outsiders.DIRECTIONS: Take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3; turn right onto SS19 in thedirection of Padula. At the first light turn right onto SP51 until you get to Certosadi San Lorenzo; turn right and continue for about 800 meters.

[E7] SAN DONATO FOUNTAIN [Fontana di S. Donato] (Buonabitacolo)This fountain was built in 1545 with public funds and the assistance of a numberof wealthy families in the town.

[CD2] SANT’ANTONIO MONASTERY [Convento di Sant’Antonio] (Polla)This 16th century monastery has a charming cloister and numerous works of art,including a stirring crucifix in olive wood by the monk Umile da Petraia and a beau-tiful ceiling by Michele Ragolia with 40 paintings depicting scenes from the Oldand New Testaments.INFORMATION: www.santuariosantantonio.it, tel.0975.391037.

[F6] SAN FRANCESCO MONASTERY [Convento di San Francesco](Padula)

The monastery was founded by the Sanseverino family in1380 and turned over to the Franciscans in 1422. Numerousrestoration efforts have not altered its basic structure ofGothic arches. The church, which is decorated with frescoesand 18th century stuccos, has six votive chapels. Fifteenthcentury paintings have been discovered in one of them.

DIRECTIONS: take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3, turn right onto SS19 in thedirection of Padula; continue to the intersection and turn right onto SP51, fol-lowing it to San Francesco.INFORMATION: open every day for mass – 3 p.m. in winter and 6 p.m. in summer. Orring the doorbell to the right.

[E4] SEGGIO (Sala Consilina)Along Via Grammatico you will find an open portico that resembles a loggia wheretown meetings are held. In the local dialect it is called Lu Tuóccu. This expression,as can be seen in Sala Consilina documents, is widely used throughout Calabriaand Sicily and comes from the Greek thôkos, meaning “assembly.” This confirmsthe influence of Greek culture in Vallo di Diano.

[D5] IL SEGGIO OR SEDILE (Teggiano)This was a meeting place for the city parliament from the beginning of the 15thcentury. It was reduced to a public fountain at the beginning of the 20th century.

[D3] SHRINE OF SAN CIRO [Santuario di San Ciro] (Atena Lucana)As you climb up the narrow alleys of Atena you will come to the shrine. It is me-dieval in origin and was rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries. Local historians be-lieve that this may be the site of a pagan temple dedicated to the Magna Matermentioned in an inscription discovered near the church.INFORMATION: parish of Santa Maria Maggiore, tel. 0975.75341.

[E7] SHRINE OF THE MONTE CARMELO [Santuario di Monte Carmelo](Buonabitacolo)This shrine is an ancient religious destination that draws people from every partof Vallo when the Madonna of Monte Carmelo is transferred to the town church.Unique to the shrine are the girii, candle arrangements carried by barefoot de-vout women to Monte Carmelo as a sign of penitence. DIRECTIONS: take exit A3, Padula-Buonabitacolo; turn left at SS19 and then turnright onto SS517 in the direction of Buonabitacolo for 3 km. Turn right on the roadto Monte Carmelo and continue for about 4 km.INFORMATION: parish of SS. Annunziata, tel. 328.6597752.

[F6] SHRINE OF MADONNA DEL MONTE ROMITO [Santuario diMadonna del Monte Romito] (Padula)This location has a beautiful panoramic view of all of Vallo di Diano and is a des-tination for pilgrimages and festivals on the first Sunday in May, when the statueof the Madonna is carried up the mountain.DIRECTIONS: Take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3. Turn right onto SS19 in thedirection of Padula, turn right at the intersection onto SP51; continue for about 2km; turn left and take the Monte Romito trail.INFORMATION: parish of San Giovanni Battista, tel. 0975.74777.

[D3] SHRINE OF SANTA MARIA DELLA COLOMBA [Santuario di SantaMaria della Colomba] (Atena Lucana)This shrine offers a fabulous view of Atena. The church features frescoes of Maryby Anselmo Palmieri (1713) on its lateral walls.DIRECTIONS: from the center of Atena Lucana take Via Roma and continue for 800meters until you come to a sharp bend in the road. Turn left and follow the cypresstrees.INFORMATION: parish of Santa Maria Maggiore, tel. 0975.75341.

[F6] SHRINE OF SAN MICHELE ALLE GROTTELLE [Santuario di SanMichele alle Grottelle] (Padula)

This little church, which is private property, is usually closed,except for the third Sunday in June on the festival of SanMichele. There is little information about the religious originsof this site. It is likely that the veneration of the Christianarchangel Michael took the place of a pagan rite dedicatedto Attis, the god of underground forces.

DIRECTIONS: take the Padula-Buonabitacolo exit off A3; turn right onto SS19 in thedirection of Padula. Turn right at the intersection with SP51; when you reach thecemetery take the trail for about 3 km.INFORMATION: Padula Pro Loco, tel. 0975.778611.

[E5] SHRINE OF SAN MICHELE ARCANGELO [Santuario di San MicheleArcangelo] (Sala Consilina)

This shrine was built following a miracle that took place in1715 when a painting of Saint Michael produced copiousdrops of liquid. On May 8 a statue of Saint Michael is carriedin a procession to the shrine where it remains until Sep-tember 29 when it is brought back to town preceded bycinti (painted candles decorated with colorful ribbons) worn

on the heads of the faithful. DIRECTIONS: take the Sala Consilina exit off A3; turn left and continue on SS19 tothe center of Sala Consilina; when you reach Piazza Umberto I° follow the townroad dei cappuccini; continue on the mountain road for about 5 km.INFORMATION: parish of the SS. Annunziata, tel. 0975.520534.

[C5] TEGGIANO CASTLEBuilt by the Sanseverino family in 1285, it was enlarged in the 15th century byKing Ladislas in the period when it was annexed to the royal lands. It was rein-forced first by the influential family when it became owner and then in 1487 byFerdinand of Aragon. Inside, the palace was transformed into a sumptuous resi-dence, and today part of it is used as an exhibition space.INFORMATION: The castle is open only for the “At the Table of Princess Costanze” fes-tival (in the middle of August).

[DE7] VALLEY OF THE ORCHIDS [Valle delle Orchidee] (Sassano)This area has the largest concentration of wild orchids inCilento Park and Vallo di Diano. We recommend visiting inMay when the orchids bloom and a special event is held.DIRECTIONS: start at the fountain with three stone masks inthe historic center. Take the uphill road in the direction ofthe Church of S. Michele. After you cross the Ponte [bridge]

del Peglio, continue until you come to Campo di Gravola and then the Piscina delBrigante [the brigand’s pool].INFORMATION: town of Sassano, tel. 0975.78809.

[C6] VALLICELLI GROTTOES (Monte San Giacomo)The grotto is on the slope of Mount Cervati, at an altitude of 1,200 meters, a fewkilometers from the town of Mount San Giacomo.DIRECTIONS: from the town’s main piazza take Avenida do Brasil, go past the Masse-ria Rezzo [Rezzo Farm] and walk along the Inghiottitoio di Varlacarla [VarlacarlaSinkhole] until you reach Vallicelli.INFORMATION: town of Mount San Giacomo, tel. 0975.75006.

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Coordination and Copyright 2008Comunità Montana Vallo di Diano

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VALLO DI DIANO

Vallo di Diano, with its large, and especially itssmall, historic treasures and its unspoiled nat-ural setting is just the place for anyone look-

ing for a vacation far from the frenzy of city life andwho prefers super-organized tours where everythingis taken care of – a trip where you can ease into thesurrounding environment.

Just a short distance from the lively seaside resorts ofCampania, Vallo di Diano is a crossroads to the prin-cipal tourist destinations of southern Italy.

The area preserves remnants from every era – fromancient Greece and Rome to the Italian Unification.Churches, monasteries and castles on narrow streetscharacterize historic centers clinging to the hillsidessurrounding a broad valley featuring the spectacularCertosa di San Lorenzo, a true meeting point of art,technique and thought, which significantly influ-enced the artistic development of Vallo di Diano.

Vallo will also definitely appeal to nature lovers, whowill enjoy wandering along the paths of the sur-rounding mountains, exploring the land in depth ordiscovering its interesting flora and fauna. Amid thismountain greenery are ancient centers of learning,which still draw pilgrims today. The 15 towns of theMountain Consortium feature countless festivals thatreflect their attachment to religious and folk tradi-tions. Numerous agritourism centers – true organicfarm enterprises – present an excellent opportunityfor fun and relaxation and are an ideal springboardfor itinerary in an environment that offers rich vari-ety in terms of produce, climate and landscape. Vallodi Diano is also a perfect place to enjoy food andwine – trattorias, festivals and farms offer you thechance to rediscover authentic heirloom flavors.