Laureana Cilento – History, Chestnut Trails and Local Traditions

If you would like to discover Laureana Cilento through its history, nature and local food culture, you will find a range of specific points of interest. Historic buildings, paths through chestnut groves and traditional food-production methods give the area several perspectives, without requiring you to focus on a single type of holiday.

Historic Buildings and Sacred Heritage

The historic profile of Laureana Cilento is particularly evident in the Palazzo Feudale (Castellum Lauri). Count Guido built it in the 9th century to oppose the Saracens, who had conquered the castle of Agropoli in 878. The Palazzo preserves an original tower that is still standing, as well as the foundations of a second tower that has since collapsed. Other notable buildings include the Palazzo Del Mercato, built around 1200, and the Chiesa Parrocchiale Santa Maria del Paradiso, which dates from 1520. The Chiesa di San Martino has a very old original structure. The Cappella Gentilizia SS. Annunziata dates from 1348. The Convento di San Michele is also part of the area's history: until the construction of the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Paradiso, it was Laureana's parish church.

Sacred Places and a Nature Trail

The Santuario dell'Acquasanta is located near the springs of the stream of the same name, Acquasanta. The presbytery contains a marble fountain dating from 1652 and a fresco from 1647. The fresco depicts the Madonna and Child, as well as Saint Joseph and Saint Lucy. The Festa della Madonna dell’Acquasanta is celebrated on the Tuesday after Pentecost.

For walks, the Selva di San Francesco offers a clearly defined landscape setting. It is a 15-hectare coppiced chestnut woodland. The Sentiero naturalistico San Francesco is a short nature trail through a chestnut forest with oaks, downy oaks and alders. At the same time, this path connects the village of Laureana with the Convento di San Francesco. The Sentiero Archi–Matonti begins in the hamlet of Archi and passes numerous farms with typical products. This allows you to experience nature observation, physical activity and agricultural landscapes through a variety of walking experiences.

Olives, Figs and Myrtle

The most widespread agricultural activity in Laureana Cilento is olive growing. Some people also continue to preserve the traditional Passolara method of drying figs. The Gli Spiriti della Sirena experience offers another way to discover local products. It includes an excursion into the surrounding area to collect myrtle. The experience explains the individual steps involved in making the liqueur and initiates the start of its production. It concludes with a toast and a tasting of local products. This gives you an impression of Laureana Cilento that combines historic evidence with nature trails and traditional flavours.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

For more destinations, you can also explore Rosaine, San Gregorio Magno, Pezzano-Filetta, Futani, Casalsottano, Praiano, Salerno and Baronissi.

To the higher-level travel overview: Salerno.