Cannalonga

Cannalonga lies at the foot of Mount Gelbison, at 550 metres above the sea level, surrounded by the astonishing vegetation of Cilento National Park. The village enjoys a mild climate, also thanks to the protection of Mount Falascuso, very close to Novi Velia and Vallo della Lucania. 

The historic center was built during the late-Roman age along the banks of torrent Mennoia, covered by rows of canes, which was the reason why the village was called “Cannalonga” (long cane).

The landscape you will be able to admire from Cannalonga is one of the most evocatice of the whole Cilento: anywhere the typical Mediterranean maquis is interrupted by secular chestnut groves, beech groves and pure water springs. Who is keen on naturalistic tourism, captured by these marvellous landscaoes, the smells and wild nature, will be definitely pleased to take some excursions around  Cannalonga. You can practice trekking on the characteristic “tuzzi”, the highest points in this area, where to admire fabulous cliffs.

The current historical centre represents a typical hamlet of Cilento, with narrow alleys and streets, overlooking religious monuments, like the Church of St Lucia and ancient gentilitial residences, such as Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Torrusio.

Here you can taste the so-called “cauzuni”: puff-pastry stuffed with vegetables, ricotta cheese and ragout; salted cakes stuffed with local salami and cheeses; stewed goat meat, protagonist of the popular Fiera della Frecagnola.

Cannalonga has become famous around 1450, when it started the annual fair “Fiera di Santa Lucia”, recurring every year in December. That fair is still on, but it has been put forward to the second Saturday do September, and renamed as “Fiera di Frecagnola”.  The name was changed because of the goat stew, once called “Frecagnola”.