Atena is the most ancient town of Vallo di Diano, situated at the slopes of Maddalena mountains. Its position gives to Atena a wonderful panorama.
The modern town was founded during Middle Ages on the ancient acropolis and maintains the ancient aspect.
The narrow streets are very picturesque; San Ciro church has a wonderful XVII century stone portal; outside the town there is the beautiful sanctuary of Santa Maria della Colomba.
Ateniadi is a nice event: sport competitions in the town. Another interesting event is “In campo Atinate”, a historical recalling of Roman age.
Monuments and natural beauties...
- San Michele Arcangelo Church
San Ciro Church
San Nicola Church
San Giuseppe Lavoratore Church
Santa Maria Maggiore Church
Madonna della Colomba Sanctuary
Palazzo Spagna, Caracciolo, Pessolano, Di Santi
Porta d’aquila, a door
Antiquarium, with finds of Bronze Age and Roman funerary epigraphs
Megalithic walls remains
Ruins of the castle
History...
Atena was maybe founded around IV-V century b. C. It was an important Greek colony and became more important during Roman age (it was called Municipium Campus Atinas) as the finds kept in the Antiquarium testify.
Then the town developed again during Middle Ages when it was ruled by Longobards and Normans. Many families ruled the feud: Sanseverino, Carafa, Filomarino and Caracciolo di Brienza families.
During XVII century the town became richer as the building of many new elegant houses testifies.
In 1857 and in 1980 there were two terrible earthquakes.
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