Discover Moio Della Civitella-Pellare

Archaeology on the Civitella

Moio della Civitella is one of the municipalities in the Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni. The summit of the Civitella lies in a lush chestnut grove and offers views across the valley below to the Tyrrhenian coast.

The archaeological excavations on the Civitella uncovered terrace walls, pottery fragments, an arched gateway and various foundations dating from the 4th century BC. The archaeological site suggests the existence of a fortified centre, whose function was presumably to control the valleys leading to the sea at Velia.

The settlement gate on the Civitella features a long, narrow defensive corridor, a rectangular room and the hinges of a wooden door cut into the stone.

Museum, churches and rural culture

The Museo della Civiltà Contadina is housed in the Palazzo Torrusio, a noble residence dating from the second half of the 18th century. It displays everyday objects from local rural activities and local rural culture, dating from the late 17th to the early 20th century.

The museum’s sections are dedicated to history, domestic life, olive cultivation, grain cultivation, winemaking, the textile industry and religion. The first exhibition on peasant civilisation was established in 1980 in the former San Francesco convent in the Pellare district.

Tour times at the Museo della Civiltà Contadina may vary; appointments are arranged by agreement through the municipal offices. The Parrocchia Santa Veneranda V.M. dates from the 15th century and has a Gothic choir, three naves, two chapels dedicated to the Madonna di Lourdes and the Madonna del Crocefisso, and a bell tower built after 1550.

The Cappella dell’Annunziata also stands on the Civitella. It was built in the 14th or 15th century and altered several times over the years. Admission to the Chiesa di San Bartolomeo is free.

Trails through the chestnut grove and history

The P15.01 – Moio della Civitella passante per Chiesa dell’Annunziata route is designated for cycling and walking. It begins at the “Retara” location within the municipality of Moio della Civitella.

The “Frassati” Trail leads through a chestnut grove, reaches the Porta Sud and provides access on foot to the Parco Archeologico della Civitella.

Religious tradition and street art

During the “Benedizione delle Croci”, small wooden crosses are blessed every year on the Civitella hill on 25 March, the Feast of the Annunciation. They are made from two chestnut branches joined together.

At the beginning of August, Mojoca, a street art festival, takes place annually in Moio della Civitella. Artists, jugglers and street musicians perform in the characteristic streets of the main town.

Other destinations in the region

For further orientation, you can also explore Capezzano, Mercato Cilento, Campagna, Piaggine, Angri, Pioppi, Tortorella and Vibonati.

For the overarching travel overview: Salerno.