Contursi between Thermal Waters, Churches and Ancient History

Thermal Waters and Sacred Art

If you would like to get to know Contursi from different perspectives, two particularly different themes lead through the town: The thermal waters of Contursi Terme originate from groundwater reservoirs of the prehistoric Monte Pruno volcano. In the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, the main altar houses a Madonna and Child statue created in the Venetian goldsmithing tradition in 1515.

Churches with Special Details

The Chiesa della Madonna del Carmine was expanded and restored between 1609 and 1610. Behind the altar is a wooden altarpiece measuring 2.80 × 1.73 metres, created by Iacobus De Antorane in 1608. The large dome painting is another striking detail: It depicts the Last Judgment.

Crypt and Bambino Gesù

The Chiesa del Santissimo Bambino Gesù also preserves several remarkable elements. In its first crypt, it has four vaults supported by a very old marble column. At the centre stands a statue of the Bambino Gesù from the 15th century; its clothing dates from the 17th century. For information about access to the Chiesa del Santissimo Bambino Gesù, the Pro Loco Contursi Terme can be contacted.

Living Religious Tradition

Several festivals and devotions give Contursi a distinctly religious dimension. During the annual feast of Saint Vitus at the Chiesa di S. Vito on 15 June, the procession makes three circuits of the chapel. The Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie is associated with a devotion held on 2 July, which became known as "Lu feston p' la Maronna". In the past, this Santuario attracted pilgrims from all parts of Campania.

Memories of Very Early Settlement

The Grotta del Rosario offers a view far beyond the more recent history of the church. There, the rock contains an engraving of a human face dating from the Eneolithic period, or the 3rd millennium BC. Flint tools and Impasto pottery also attest to the presence of a community that had already developed sophisticated hunting techniques and everyday activities thousands of years ago.

A Documented Stage of the Sentiero Italia CAI

Hiking can also be combined with the history of the town. Stage SI S07 of the Sentiero Italia CAI leads from Rifugio Casera Rinfredo to Contursi Terme.

Dates with Precise Scheduling

The religious dates differ in their scheduling. In 1679, the Brotherhood of the Bambino set the annual feasts of the Bambino for the third Sunday in January and the second Sunday in May; both feasts were preceded by a solemn novena prayer. Admission to the Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie is free. Admission to the Chiesa della Madonna del Carmine is also free.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

Other destinations include Vallo Della Lucania, Acquavella, Raito, Terradura, Sant'angelo A Fasanella, Giffoni sei Casali, Sassano and Battaglia Di Casaletto Spartano.

For the higher-level travel overview: Salerno.