Vallo di Diano

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The Vallo di Diano basin, nestled between the limestone and dolomite mountains of Cilento and the Lucan Apennines, showcases stunning natural beauty and an exceptional archaeological, historical, artistic, and anthropological heritage. As a crossroads for ancient, majestic civilizations, the artifacts housed at the Civic Museum in Montesano sulla Marcellana stand as testament to humanity's interplay with the environment, reflecting the community's rich cultural fabric. The region's history intertwines with efforts to drain the marshland created by the Tanagro river's drainage challenges. Following Roman rule, it faced multiple devastations during the Visigothic era under Alarico, continuing until the Lombard period. The area, once home to notorious brigands, also saw the footsteps of Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Comprising towns like Atena Lucana, Buonabitacolo, and 13 others, the region offers breathtaking high-altitude treks and cave explorations. Visitors can immerse themselves in dramatic landscapes, genuine hospitality, and taste traditional foods at local festivals - notably, the mountain pasture-fed caciocavallo silano cheese.

A plethora of events beckon visitors to Vallo di Diano, like the artistic and culinary journey "At Princess Costanza's Table" in Teggiano. This event recalls the 1474 union of Antonello Sanseverino and Costanza, the daughter of Duke Federico da Montefeltro of Urbino. Teggiano's rich artistic and cultural treasures, including the 14th-century Convent of SS. Pietà, deserve special attention. Beyond the magnificent Charterhouse of San Lorenzo in Padula, built in 1306, there's the much-anticipated "Thousand-Egg Omelette" event. Inspired by a 1535 episode when King Charles V of Spain visited after his Tunis victory, he was treated to a grand feast, including a gargantuan omelette.

Sala Consilina hosts the unique "Rooster's Shot" during the Madonna di Castello festival. Tradition holds that if the colorful rooster effigy stops during its descent, it portends a challenging year ahead. The visit complements well with the 16th-century Grancia di San Lorenzo.

Natural wonders abound in Vallo di Diano. Pertosa is home to renowned caves hosting the "Negro" ethnic music and culture festival and a Dante's Inferno representation. The Angel Caves unveil a mesmerizing maze of tunnels and chambers, with the must-see Sponge Room standing out. Once a haven for thousands of bats, the Bat Room presents unique features.

Lastly, a trip to the living museum of the Orchid Valley and Ancient Cultivations in Sassano is a must for all.

What to See...

Megalithic Wall Remnants in Atena Lucana.
Chapel of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Buonabitacolo: A unique 1703 construction featuring a square design and a two-tiered portico. This chapel showcases intricate Baroque architecture in the Vallo di Diano region, with a splendid architectural facade. Inside, visitors can appreciate biblical-themed 18th-century frescoes on the ceiling and walls, adorned with Baroque frescoes and stucco works.
Church of Madonna delle Grazie in Casalbuono: Dating back to the 12th century, its portal is adorned with the emblem of the Certosa di Padula and intertwined with the C.A.R. monogram. Identical symbols can be found on the church's balcony and the wooden emblem atop the 17th-century organ.
Chapel of San Gaetano in Monte San Giacomo: Houses a beautiful organ, two wooden busts of San Francesco Saverio and San Pasquale, and an 18th-century painting depicting the Virgin and San Gaetano with the Child.
Civic Museum in Montesano sulla Marcellana: An exhibit of artifacts and objects reflecting human activity and the diverse cultural fabric of the community.
Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Sant’Arsenio: Showcases wooden sculptures and 18th-century paintings.
Church of San Giovanni Evangelista in Sassano: Features a spacious rectangular nave ending in an apse, flanked by lower side aisles. The high altar resembles the structure of the Basilica of Pompeii, while the ceiling of the apse showcases a radiant dove, designed by Matteo Volpe of Buccino.
Calvanello Location in San Rufo: The ruins of a medieval castle, destroyed in the 15th century, are a sight to behold.
Church of Santa Maria del Piano in San Pietro al Tanagro: Built in 1530, legend has it that the Madonna statue was discovered on a hornbeam tree, where the church and the adjoining convent now stand.
Grotta dell’Angelo in Pertosa: An archaeological site with Neolithic artifacts such as pottery, stone tools, bone and metal items, and remnants of stilt houses.
Church of the Assumption in Sanza: Showcases a prominent main portal made from Padula stone, a renowned wooden crucifix, and significant silver artifacts, including a processional cross and chalice from Naples dating back to the 1730s.
Certosa di San Lorenzo in Padula: An iconic monument in Southern Italy, established in 1306 by Tommaso Sanseverino, Count of Marsico, attracting numerous visitors annually.
Grancia of San Lorenzo in Sala Consilina: Possibly dating to the early 16th century, it houses the town's library, which contains ancient collections from local families. It also hosts the Vallo di Diano Study and Research Center, established in 1981.
Convent of Sant’Antonio in Polla: Founded in 1541, it houses various esteemed art pieces.
Convent of the SS. Pietà in Teggiano: This 14th-century structure features a beautiful Renaissance portico with three arches resting on artistic capitals. Inside, there's a large nave adorned with 14th and 15th-century frescoes, paintings, and statues. The refectory holds the "Way to Calvary," a large fresco from 1476.

History...

The Vallo di Diano area stands as a crossroads of ancient and grand civilizations that have deeply influenced its fate. The various peoples who have passed through have indelibly etched their marks on the walls of buildings that still bear witness today.

Every corner of the Vallo speaks of history: from discoveries of the megalithic era to Greek colonies, medieval fiefdoms, all set against the backdrop of Roman dominance. The Vallo served as a significant transit route for the conquest of the far south of the Italian peninsula. With the invasion of the Visigoths under Alaric, the region endured numerous acts of violence and destruction, which continued throughout the Lombard rule.

Its history is intertwined with attempts to drain the marshes formed due to the challenging drainage of the Tanagro river waters. These attempts, initiated by the Romans and resumed in the Bourbon era, only saw appreciable results after the unification of Italy.

The area was once home to renowned brigands and also served as a crucial passage for Giuseppe Garibaldi.