Located on the northwestern slopes of Monte Stella, Perdifumo is a charming village in the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, renowned for its historic center filled with noble palaces featuring grand stone-carved portals. Walking through its narrow streets, one can soak in an old-world atmosphere, especially in the main square, which in the summer months transforms into a lively open-air lounge, a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Perdifumo is a perfect destination for lovers of history and local traditions. One of its most significant landmarks is the Convent of Santa Maria della Pietà, founded in 1619, featuring an ancient chapel and a historic library that may have been used by the philosopher Gian Battista Vico during his stay in the nearby hamlet of Vatolla. Another must-see event is the Flight of the Angel, a fascinating theatrical performance where a child, suspended by a steel cable, represents the angel defeating the devil in a verbal duel, dressed in scenic costumes and reciting baroque-style verses (August 8 and 15).
Vatolla: The Village of Gian Battista Vico
The hamlet of Vatolla is one of Perdifumo’s historical gems, famous for hosting Gian Battista Vico between 1686 and 1695. Here, the Neapolitan philosopher wrote part of his works and developed his famous theory of cyclical history.
At the heart of the village stands Palazzo Vargas, a noble residence protected by UNESCO, now home to the Vico Museum, which displays manuscripts, ancient books, and documents related to the philosopher's life. The palace also features an elegant historical library and a collection of works on local history.
Vatolla is also well known for the Vatolla Onion, a local delicacy with a sweet and delicate flavor, cultivated for centuries in the surrounding area. This product is the star of gastronomic events and festivals that celebrate Cilento’s agricultural and culinary traditions.
Beyond Palazzo Vargas, Vatolla offers a picturesque setting with its stone-paved streets, historic buildings, and panoramic views of the Cilento hills. Every year, the village hosts cultural events and conferences dedicated to Vico, making it a key destination for philosophy scholars and visitors fascinated by Cilento’s cultural heritage.
What to See in Perdifumo
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Castello Vargas-Machucha (16th century, Vatolla): An elegant building with a large cobbled courtyard and a 17th-century mascaron used as a fountain. It houses a library with historical and critical texts on Gian Battista Vico and local history.
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Church of Madonna delle Grazie (11th century): Its facade includes two fragments of a 4th-century AD Roman sarcophagus.
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Church of San Sisto (16th century): An example of Cilento’s religious architecture.
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Church of San Nazario (1311): One of the oldest religious buildings in the village.
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Convent of Santa Maria della Pietà (1619): Home to a historic chapel and an extensive library.
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Convent of Santa Maria del Carmine (1472): Built as a defensive structure against 17th-century brigands, renowned for its cloister and ancient pharmacy.
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Convent of Santa Maria della Porziuncola (1635): Inside, you’ll find 18th-century paintings, a statue of the Madonna del Rosario, and a miraculous fresco known as "della Porziuncola".
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Convent of Santa Maria degli Angeli: Famous for its ancient crucifix, venerated with three bows by the faithful.
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Ruins of the Cenobio of Sant’Arcangelo: One of the oldest monastic settlements in Cilento.
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Palazzo Guglielmini with its 16th-century fountain and adjacent washhouse.
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Museo Terra Batulliani: A collection of over 5,000 artifacts documenting rural Cilento’s seasonal work traditions.
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Vico Museum and Vico Library (Vatolla): Housed in Palazzo Vargas, dedicated to the great philosopher Gian Battista Vico.
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Selva di Santa Sofia and Pineta di San Vincenzo: Wooded areas perfect for hiking and nature walks.
History of Perdifumo
The name Perdifumo likely derives from the Latin "pes-de-flumine", referring to its location near a stream. The first recorded settlement dates back to the 11th century, when the inhabitants of the nearby village of Sant’Arcangelo moved here in 1083. Like many other villages in Cilento, Perdifumo was under the control of the Sanseverino family until the War of the Vespers (1282-1302), during which the village was completely destroyed.
After its reconstruction, the fief came under the rule of the Abbey of Cava, but in 1412 Pope Gregory XII granted it to King Ladislaus of Durazzo. In 1436, Alfonso of Aragon once again granted Perdifumo to the Sanseverino family, who held it until the Barons' Conspiracy (1485-87), when their lands were confiscated. In 1500, King Frederick of Aragon assigned the village to the Neapolitan knight Giacomo Guindacio, who maintained control even after the return of the Sanseverino in 1507.
Later, the fief passed to the Caracciolo, Brancaccio (1561), and Del Baglivo (1568) families, before being acquired in 1636 by the Princes of Roccadaspide, who retained it until the abolition of feudalism in 1806.
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