Policastro Bussentino: Coast, Bussento and Historic Buildings

Policastro Bussentino lies on the Tyrrhenian coast in the centre of the gulf of the same name. The lower course of the Bussento and its estuary are located within the area. In Policastro Bussentino, coastal landscape, river environment and a historically shaped townscape come together.

Coast and River Environment

Policastro Bussentino has sandy beaches and clear water that are suitable for water sports. At the mouth of the Bussento, you can go canoeing on the sea and upstream on the Bussento. Fishing takes place on both banks of the estuary. Between the beaches of Scario and Policastro, the Bussento flows into the sea with clear, deep water. Its banks are very green and lined with trees; landscaped gardens extend almost to the banks on both sides.

Historical Traces in the Town

The historic centre of Policastro Bussentino is surrounded by medieval walls from the Norman period under Roger I in the 11th century. These walls rest on older pseudo-polygonal structures, which have been preserved at a height of approximately 3 to 6 m. The history of the town also includes the Strada Romana, a section of road from Roman times with stone paving and a straight, solidly constructed structure.

The Castello di Policastro Bussentino is a medieval fortified complex with defensive walls and towers, as well as Norman architectural influences. The Romanesque bell tower was built in 1167 on the orders of King William II and extended in the 14th century. The history of Policastro Bussentino is also connected with the ancient city of Buxentum, which was founded by the Greeks and later ruled by the Romans.

Church, Art and Festival Tradition

The Concattedrale Santa Maria Assunta stands on the site of a Roman pagan temple. Two surviving Latin inscriptions attest to this earlier complex. A monumental crypt of the concattedrale can be accessed via a staircase and contains a 14th-century fresco of the Pietà.

The Museo Diocesano di Policastro Bussentino preserves sacred artworks, including a Flemish ivory crucifix, paintings, liturgical vestments and silver liturgical vessels. A tradition celebrated annually on 15 August is the Festa della Santissima Assunta. The celebration includes a procession from the cathedral of Policastro to the harbour, which continues by boat.

Harbour and Getting There

The modern harbour of Policastro Bussentino serves fishing and nautical tourism. From there, boats depart for excursions along the Cilento coast and to the coves of the Gulf of Policastro. Policastro Bussentino has good rail and road connections for getting there.

More Destinations to Compare

If you would like to compare Policastro Bussentino with other travel destinations, you can find Marina Di Ascea, Bracigliano, Fisciano, Casal Velino, Mezzatorre Di San Mauro Cilento, Scafati, Caselle In Pittari and Celle Di Bulgheria here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Salerno.