Capaccio: Old Town, Sanctuaries and Trails to Monte Soprano

Architecture and History in the Center

The Torre Orologio is also known as the Torre civica. The clock tower dates from the 15th century and originally served as the bell tower of the Church of San Pietro. The Fontana dei Tre Delfini is an important example of Baroque style from the late 17th century. In the 17th century, the Palazzo Bellelli was owned by the Barlotti family and was later acquired by the Bellelli family. It is one of the most significant buildings in the historic center of Capaccio Capoluogo. The Chiesa di San Pietro Apostolo is a noteworthy place to visit there.

Religious Traditions and Sacred Sites

The tradition of the votive Cente is celebrated every year in Capaccio in honor of the Madonna del Granato. Cente are handmade wooden objects in the shape of light boats, decorated with ribbons, flowers, candles and an image of the Madonna del Granato. Each Cente is made by believers using traditional, time-honored techniques and forms. During the Cente procession, believers carry the votive objects through the districts of Capaccio to the Santuario della Madonna del Granato. The Santuario Mariano Diocesano in Capaccio is dedicated to the Madonna del Granato and was founded in the 1st century. The existence of the Parrocchia San Pietro Apostolo has been documented since the 16th century.

Monasteries, Art and Viewpoints

The Convento dei Frati Minori has an 18th-century cloister decorated with frescoes. The ground floor of the Convento di Sant’Antonio is used during the summer months for the Museo del Gran Tour, with exhibitions of photography and painting. The Santuario dei Getsemani includes a park with a Stations of the Cross path, a rosary path and a stone amphitheater. The Santuario dei Getsemani offers views of the Sele plain and the Gulf of Salerno.

Historical Traces of Capaccio Vecchio

Capaccio Vecchio was besieged and destroyed by Frederick II; its ruins are still preserved. The conspiracy against Frederick II of Swabia took place in 1245 at the Castello di Capaccio.

Hiking Trails and Green Landscapes

The Castello fantasma hiking trail begins in Capaccio Vecchio at the Santuario della Madonna del Granato and ends at the Castello di Capaccio. The Sentiero Monte Soprano di Capaccio follows CAI Trail 410 up along the ridge to Monte Soprano. The 1,082-meter-high summit of the Sentiero Monte Soprano offers a 360-degree panorama of Capaccio, the sea and the Alburni Massif. The municipal routes point to walks in the countryside along the Fiume Sele.

Maquis and Mediterranean Vegetation

The forests of Montagna del Conte cover 10 hectares of Mediterranean maquis with holm oaks and downy oaks. The forests of Monte Soprano cover 15 hectares of Mediterranean maquis with holm oaks, heather, chestnut trees and Turkey oaks.

More Destinations

More destinations: Foce Del Sele, Conca Dei Marini, Postiglione, Foria Di Centola, Montecorice, Bosco, Nocera Superiore, Nocera Inferiore

To the higher-level travel overview: Salerno.