Roccapiemonte between churches, Monte Solano and a rural character

Roccapiemonte can be explored through specific places: sacred art, architectural history, the Giardino Incantato and the landscape around Monte Solano each offer a distinct perspective. The themes range from churches and castle history to the Giardino Incantato, Monte Solano and the Eremo di Santa Maria di Loreto.

Churches, art and architectural history

Above the entrance to the Cappella di San Nicola di Bari is a majolica depiction of Saint Nicholas of Bari. In the Chiesa della Madonna dei Sette Dolori, two monumental sarcophagi commemorate the last duke, Vincenzo, his wife Beatrice Potenziani and their daughter, Princess Ornella. The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista is mentioned in a deed of donation from 1081. The Chiesa di Santa Maria del Ponte was built in the 15th century on the initiative of the Rescigno family.

Another art-historical reference can be found in the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie. It houses the Madonna di Costantinopoli con i Santi Bartolomeo e Nicola di Bari, one of Angelo Solimena's masterpieces. The work is dated to around 1671. The full Italian title of the work mentions the saints Bartolomeo and Nicola di Bari alongside the Madonna.

A castle also stands on the summit of Monte Solano. It was built in 1042 by Guaimario IV, Prince of Salerno, and remodelled during the Angevin period. The mountain therefore brings together castle history and views over two gulf regions in one location.

Gardens, landscape and panoramic views

The Giardino Incantato in Villa Ravaschieri contains flowers, medicinal and culinary plants, as well as botanical rarities from around the world. The garden thus adds a botanical feature alongside the churches and the castle.

Monte Solano offers expansive views of Mount Vesuvius and parts of the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. At the foot of Monte Solano, the plain also retains a rural character, with agricultural use still present. The plain at the foot of Monte Solano thus forms a counterpoint to the view from the summit.

The Eremo di Santa Maria di Loreto

The Eremo di Santa Maria di Loreto is about an hour's walk from Roccapiemonte. It was built in the 12th century. The Eremo di Santa Maria de la Fracta is also known as the Santuario di Santa Maria di Loreto and is the destination of a devout pilgrimage. The route to the Eremo therefore gives a day's itinerary a clear timeframe.

A culinary connection to Casali

At the traditional Sagra “Sua Maestà il Porco” announced for 11, 12 and 13 July in Casali di Roccapiemonte, Paccheri allardati were served.

More destinations for your travel planning

For comparing more Italian destinations, also discover Angri, Case Del Conte, Giungano, Sala Consilina, Scorzo, Salento, Serramezzana and Postiglione.

To the higher-level travel overview: Salerno.