Castelnuovo Cilento

On top of a hill overlooking the Valley of Alento, the hamlet of Castelnuovo Cilento rises around a castle, a Norman building dating back to the XVIII century where to admire a great panorama. According to the legend, the castle was linked to the fortress in Velia and other strongholds around throughout underground passages. It is believed that the village was built as a consequence of the fall of the Castle of Bruca, whose ruins are still visible in Velia.

Have a look at the old town centre with the ancient houses still bearing inscriptions like “Viva il Re” (1946) and “Viva la Repubblica” (meaning respectively  “long live the King” and “up the Republic”), to witness the fervent referendary campaign supported in that period. Going back to 1848, Castelnuovo was an important meeting point for the insurgents coming from the whole Cilento region. The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena is a lovely building, too: built a very long time ago, it preserves notable oeuvres made by local artists.

The area is crossed by the rivers Alento, Badolato and Palistro, including the districts of Casal Velino Scalo and Castelnuovo Vallo Scalo. The landscape along with the local life styles give a cross-section of the rural life, simple things and genuine food, used to prepare traditional dishes.