Cilento, an enchanting region located in southern Italy between the gulf of Salerno and the gulf of Policastro, masterfully preserves the roots of a past extraordinarily rich in history and culture. This fascinating land includes part of the province of Salerno and embraces a significant part of the prestigious National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a true treasure chest of archaeological, architectural and natural treasures.
Going back to the most remote origins, the first traces of man in Cilento lead us back in time, to prehistory. The first inhabitants found refuge among caves and river valleys, leaving behind precious signs of their presence through rock paintings, tools and burials. These archaeological testimonies represent a privileged window to understand the habits and daily life of these ancient communities. Over the centuries, various civilizations have left their indelible mark on the land of Cilento. Peoples of Italic origin, such as the Oenotrians, the Lucanians and the Picentini, animated these lands with their unique cultures, giving life to a fascinating mix of traditions. However, the encounter and conflict with the Greek colonizers play a particularly significant role in history of Cilento.
The cities of Elea, known today as Velia, and Poseidonia, the ancient Paestum, represent archaeological jewels that resist the passage of time. Founded by Greek colonists, these settlements have left a legacy of inestimable value. In Elea, you can admire the traces of ancient temples, theaters, walls and necropolises, which testify to the greatness and prosperity of these civilizations. Paestum, on the other hand, is renowned for its magnificent, well-preserved Greek temples, which stand imposingly and silently in the surrounding plain.
Cilento in the ancient era: From the legends of the Gods to the glories of Paestum
The charm of Cilento in the ancient era is reverberated through myths and legends that tell of the origins and events of this land steeped in history and culture. Among all, Greek civilization stands out as the undisputed protagonist, giving Cilento a legacy of splendid monuments, artistic testimonies and mythological tales that still fascinate. According to tradition, Cilento owes its name to Cilento, son of Aeolus, the god of the winds, who, after venturing across the Mediterranean, settled in these lands. Here he founded the famous city of Velia, which stood as the fulcrum of a lively philosophical and cultural activity, becoming the renowned seat of the Eleatic school. The mythical roots, therefore, are intertwined with concrete history, helping to make Cilento a place with a unique and fascinating identity.
In addition to being a destination for pilgrimages for mythological heroes, Cilento has faced extraordinary adventures in ancient times, for example the legend tells that Ulysses, during his epic journey back to Ithaca, went as far as Cilento, where he had a memorable meeting with the sirens. These half-woman, half-fish creatures tried to seduce him with their hypnotic singing, but the cunning Ulysses had himself tied to the mast of the ship to resist their charm. He ordered his companions to plug their ears with wax, thus avoiding falling into the deadly trap of the sirens.
However, Cilento stands out not only for the legends that surround it but also for its extraordinary historical testimonies. The most striking emblem is Paestum, an ancient city founded by the Greeks in the XNUMXth century BC, which emerged as one of the most prosperous settlements of Magna Graecia. Paestum enchants with its mighty Doric temples dedicated to Neptune, Ceres and Athena, which rise majestically in the Sele plain. These sumptuous buildings represent one of the best examples of ancient Greek architecture still preserved, testifying to the grandeur and beauty of a civilization that has profoundly sculpted the history of Cilento and all of Italy. The call of Paestum, with its ancient glories, reveals a glorious past that still shines in the heart of Cilento, attracting visitors from every corner of the world to admire the wonders of a distant and fascinating era.
From the Middle Ages to modernity: Traditions, changes and cultural heritage
Cilento, through the centuries, has experienced a varied and fascinating history characterized by dominations and influences of different civilisations. From the Greek colonies to the Romans, from the Byzantines to the Normans, from the Angevins to the Aragonese, these dominations have shaped the region, leaving an indelible mark on its artistic, architectural and linguistic heritage. Even today, Cilento preserves precious testimonies of past eras and different styles.
The Middle Ages was a period of particular importance for these places, during which numerous inhabited centers, castles, abbeys and monasteries were born and developed, which still constitute points of reference for local culture and identity. Places like the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo a Pisciotta, the majestic castle of Rocca Cilento, the suggestive monastery of San Lorenzo a Padula and the suggestive sanctuary of Santa Maria di Novi Velia, not only act as historical testimonies, but also represent important centers of faith and spirituality, influencing the mentality and values of the Cilento population over the centuries.
In addition to its troubled history, Cilento is also a land of traditions, which manifest themselves in various aspects of daily life. The renowned Cilento gastronomy is famous for its authenticity and variety, based on high quality local products such as extra virgin olive oil, wine, cheese, homemade pasta and traditional desserts. Furthermore, Cilento craftsmanship represents another distinctive aspect of local culture, based on ancient techniques handed down from generation to generation. Products such as refined ceramics, carved wood, wrought iron, lace and fabrics express the skill and creativity of the Cilento people in enhancing the region's natural resources.
Today, Cilento presents itself as a unique tourist destination, capable of combining history, and gentle cosmetics and sustainable tourism; included in the prestigious National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its extraordinary biodiversity and natural scenery, Cilento offers visitors breathtaking experiences.
The sea caves of Palinuro, the enchanting Calore waterfalls, the suggestive Sammaro gorges and the fascinating beaches of Marina di Camerota, are just some of the natural wonders that await tourists. Furthermore, the park offers numerous opportunities to practice sporting and ecological activities, such as trekking, rafting, canyoning, cycle tourism and horse riding. Sustainable tourism in Cilento is based on respect for the environment and local culture, enhancing the historical and natural riches of the region, thus offering an authentic holiday, immersed in the beauty of a unique and fascinating territory.
