Montecorice stands out for its unique landscape, where enclosures, terraces, courtyards, and archways tell the story of a land rich in culture and traditions. Located in the heart of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, this village preserves an authentic charm, blending the beauty of the coast with the timeless atmosphere of the hinterland.
The landscape is shaped by gentle valleys crossed by three main watercourses: Rivo Arena, Rivo Roviscelli, and Rivo Lapis, which descend towards the sea, reaching the beautiful location of Agnone Cilento. Here, the coastline alternates between rocky stretches and small sandy beaches, creating a perfect blend of nature and maritime tradition. A distinctive feature of this coastline is the Aleppo pine, which, with its vibrant green, enhances the rugged hills and accompanies visitors down to the shore.
The Montecorice seafront is the lively heart of the village, especially during the summer season. Historic homes with their characteristic towers dominate the landscape, while the construction of the tourist and fishing port of San Nicola a Mare has transformed this area into a focal point for sea lovers. The port has enriched the small village, harmoniously integrating with the mouth of the Roviscelli stream and providing welcoming spaces for visitors and fishermen.
What to See in Montecorice
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Montecorice holds a rich historical and architectural heritage. Its most significant sites include religious buildings, coastal towers, and ancient noble residences.
Among the main attractions is the Church of San Biagio, built in the 16th century. It features a single nave with a barrel vault, a façade with four pilasters and a tympanum, a bell tower, and a dome. Inside, visitors can admire a painting of Saint Martin and a canvas of the Virgin with the Souls in Purgatory. The church also preserves some paintings by Matteo Cilento (1829-1916), an artist from San Mauro Cilento.
The Church of Santa Maria dell’Olmo, the oldest in the municipality, and the Church of San Pietro Apostolo are other important testimonies of local spirituality. Not to be missed are the Chapel of Santa Sofia, of Lombard origin, and the Chapel of Sant’Antonio Abate, characterized by a façade with four pilasters and a bell gable.
Montecorice also boasts defensive structures and historic residences, such as the Coastal Tower of Arena and the noble palaces Cera, Piccirilli, Rossi, Mazzarella, Tarallo, and Marchesano, the latter housing the Museum of Rural Civilization. The seaside village of Agnone Cilento, with its Church of Carmine and ancient watchtower, is another must-see destination.
Montecorice is also the guardian of ancient production traditions. Testaments to this include the 18th-century Water Mill and the only Windmill in Cilento, built in the early 20th century and still well-preserved.
Among the unique features of the area are the Palmenti, large stone vats from the 18th century once used for grape pressing, still visible along the ancient village roads. The characteristic 'passoláre' rural houses, traditionally used for drying figs, offer a glimpse into the peasant life of the past.
Montecorice, with its perfect blend of history, nature, and traditions, is one of Cilento’s most authentic gems, an ideal place for those seeking relaxation, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
History of Montecorice
The name Montecorice once referred to a much larger area than today’s town center, encompassing an economically self-sufficient region along the valley of the Roviscelli stream. The village's history is closely tied to the Church of Sant’Angelo, an ancient religious structure that gave the area its original name.
The first documented mention of the town dates back to 1062, when Montecorice was part of the Barony of Cilento, a fief under the powerful Sanseverino family. During the Middle Ages, the Sanseverino contributed to the area's growth through various donations to the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of Cava de’ Tirreni, fostering both religious and agricultural development.
In 1552, following the rebellion of Ferrante Sanseverino against Spanish rule, the fief was confiscated by the Royal Court, and various settlements within the Barony were auctioned off. Montecorice and Rocca were sold in 1553 and later acquired by the Giordano family, who, in 1699, obtained the title of Duke of Montecorice. This dynasty maintained control of the fief until the abolition of feudalism in 1806, when Montecorice was administratively annexed as a district of Ortodonico.
In 1927, following a popular uprising, Montecorice became the municipal capital, replacing Ortodonico as the administrative center. Since then, the village has continued to preserve its traditions, historical heritage, and deep connection to Cilento’s cultural identity.
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