Capitello: Beach, Church and Historic Traces

Beach and Local History

Capitello combines beach and local history in the coastal hamlet of the municipality of Ispani. The Spiaggia di Capitello offers free beach sections and managed bathing areas. In the center of the coastal hamlet of Capitello in the municipality of Ispani stands the Chiesa di San Ferdinando Re. It is located on a road running parallel to the waterfront promenade, in a level setting accessible by motorized vehicles.

The Chiesa di San Ferdinando Re

The original Chiesa di San Ferdinando Re was a single-nave space with a semicircular apse and a bell tower adjoining it on the side. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was expanded with a small side aisle and additional rooms. The church’s level setting contrasts spatially with the stone path, with its steps between Capitello and San Cristoforo.

Museum, Tower and Castellaro

The Piccolo Museo della Bambola “Cinzia Falcone” originated from a collection of dolls from different periods, which a woman of Cilentan origin donated to the community. The Torre costiera del ’500 is considered a former defensive and observation tower; it was built to spot Saracen ships. On the hill near Capitello now known as Castellaro, the military commander Ruggiero I, together with his nephew Ruggiero d’Apulia, had a Norman castle built around 1055. Remains of the castle can be found there.

Traces of the Palazzo Carafa

At the former Palazzo Carafa, an inscription overlooks the access arch to the gardens. It warned potential intruders of the determination of the feudal lords of that time. The enclosing walls that border the garden have survived from the former Palazzo Carafa. Today, the palazzo houses a convent owned by the Suore Elisabettine Bigie.

Roads and Stone Path

The SS18 runs through Capitello. From Capitello, you can take the SP110 to Ispani and San Cristoforo. A stone path created in 2014 connects Capitello and San Cristoforo. The path is a long staircase with resting points and views over the gulf between the coasts of Maratea and Infreschi. The stone path therefore forms a stairway connection, while the SS18 and SP110 are road connections.

Religious Festivals

The festival of Saint Anthony of Padua took place in Capitello on June 12 and 13. During the Processione del pane held on June 12, worshippers brought baskets of bread to be blessed and then gave them to relatives. On the afternoon of June 13, a fundraising auction was held during the Riffa. Items donated by worshippers and typical local products were offered. The two festival days differ in their schedule: on June 12, the blessing of the bread is the main focus, while on the afternoon of June 13, the Riffa with its fundraising auction takes center stage.

Local Orientation

From July 15 to September 15, 2026, the Comune di Ispani operated the Punto Blu, a tourist information office on the waterfront promenade of Capitello.

More Destinations

Ostigliano, Capizzo, Santa Maria Di Castellabate, Monte San Giacomo, Eboli, Trinita, Roccadaspide, Pagani

To the higher-level travel overview: Salerno.