Traditions and Nature

Ceraso is deeply connected to the traditions and culture of Cilento. One of the most anticipated events is the River Festival, held in August, celebrating the town’s bond with its natural resources. During the festival, visitors can taste local products, enjoy folk performances, and participate in guided excursions along the river.

The natural environment around Ceraso is exceptionally diverse. In the higher areas, forests of beech, alder, and chestnut trees create a stunning backdrop, while closer to the residential areas, centuries-old olive groves dominate the landscape, symbolizing one of the region’s most valuable economic and cultural assets. The hills are covered in the characteristic Mediterranean scrub, offering vibrant colors and scents that change with the seasons.

A hidden gem worth discovering is Massascusa, a medieval hamlet situated along the river. The houses, built tightly together, reflect an ancient earthquake-resistant construction technique, still visible today in the distinctive district called "’mpieri Ceraso".

What to See in Ceraso

  • Church of San Nicola di Bari: A grand church with a neoclassical façade and late Baroque stucco decorations inside. It impresses visitors with its large size and barrel-vaulted ceiling.

  • Church of San Martino: Built in the 17th century, it follows the architectural principles of rural Cilento.

  • Palazzo De Marsilio: One of the finest examples of rural Cilentan architecture, built around 1790. Over time, it transformed into a manor house complete with a private chapel.

  • Historic Palaces: Among the most significant are Lancillotti - Ebner (15th century), Antonini – Ferrara (a meeting place for revolutionary movements in Cilento), Di Lorenzo (featuring an inner garden), Ferolla, and Testa Ferrara.

  • Badia di Pattano: An ancient medieval monastery that was once an important religious and cultural center.

  • Church of San Felice: A remarkable place of worship preserving significant architectural elements.

  • Fossa and San Giovanni Dams: Artificial reservoirs used for irrigation, also providing scenic landscapes and natural beauty.

  • Lake Fabbrica: A man-made lake originally built for the irrigation of the Velia Plain, now a popular spot for sport fishing.

  • Bruca Forest: A wooded area with chestnut, alder, and walnut trees, ideal for hikes and outdoor excursions.

History of Ceraso

The name Ceraso likely derives from the Latin term Cerasus, meaning cherry tree, a species once abundant in the area. The earliest official record of the town appears in the Papal Bull of Pope Eugene III, dated May 6, 1149, which recognized the Santa Barbara Monastery near Ceraso as part of the Abbey of Cava.

Another significant historical document, written by Alexander II in 1168, highlights Ceraso’s importance as a strategic road junction. From here, the Salt Road branched out, connecting inland Lucania to the Velia coastline.

Until 1806, Ceraso was part of the Barony of Novi, under feudal rule. During the French administration, the hamlets of Santa Barbara, Massascusa, and San Biase were incorporated into the Municipality of Ceraso. In the feudal period, the town was governed by two Elects, and in 1799, it became one of the first municipalities to self-govern.

During the Italian Risorgimento, many residents of Ceraso joined the Fraternity Sect, founded in 1838 in preparation for the Revolution of 1848. On April 5 of that year, Ceraso was the first to signal the demand for public land reclamation.

In 1860, the people of Ceraso participated in the Battle of the Volturno, fighting among Garibaldi’s volunteers for Italian unification.



 

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