Discover Stio: Churches, Festivals and Regional Cuisine

Stio offers you several ways to experience a journey through history, festival culture and regional cuisine. In the hamlet of Gorga, nature experiences and local characteristics come together with historic churches and events. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can tailor your trip to the topics that interest you most.

Landscape and Churches in Stio and Gorga

Parco Oliceto is located in Gorga, a hamlet of Stio, in Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park. Gorga is also home to the Chiesa San Gennaro. Its three-storey bell tower dominates the landscape.

The religious buildings of Stio also give your visit a historical and artistic perspective. The Chiesa Santi Pietro e Paolo dates from 1700 and was built on the remains of the former Chiesa San Giovanni Battista from the 12th century. It is of outstanding historical and artistic value. The Ruderi dell’antica chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo are the remains of Stio’s former parish church, which was built in the 16th century.

The Chiesa San Gennaro contains a painting of Saint Gennaro blessing the community. The Cappella di Santa Sofia preserves valuable artistic elements inside. The Cappella di Sant’Elia is associated with an old rural ritual intended to bring rain. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul contains a statue of Saint Paschal by Domenico Di Venuta, a Neapolitan sculptor. The Cappella di Santa Sofia is wheelchair accessible; admission is free.

Traditional Events with a History

The Fiera della Croce is a traditional event held in the first days of September, featuring markets, the exchange of local produce and religious celebrations. Its history can be traced back to the middle of the 15th century. In its original form, the Fiera della Croce was particularly important for the silk trade. It is therefore one of the events that allow you to explore the relationship between religious tradition, commerce and local life over extended periods.

The Primo Maggio Del Cilento takes place every year on 1 May. People of all ages gather in a large meadow in nature for a day outdoors. Typical dishes and local drinks are offered at improvised tables and food stands. This festival is especially interesting for your travel planning if you would like to combine a stay with time spent together outdoors and regional culinary enjoyment.

Fagiolo della Regina Gorga

The Festa del Fagiolo Regina Gorga is a gastronomic event centred on the Fagiolo Regina from Gorga. During the festival, the town’s streets and characteristic alleys become an open-air restaurant. The tables feature typical Cilento recipes as well as innovative dishes.

Fagiolo della Regina Gorga was recognised as a Slow Food Presidium in June 2020. It is eaten in soups and minestrone or served as a side dish. This speciality offers you a concrete way to experience the local food culture without limiting yourself to general culinary terms. Other places you can discover on your trip through Italy: Cosentini, Oliveto Citra, Acerno, Trinita, Fonte, Scala, Policastro Bussentino and Montecorvino Rovella.

For the main travel overview: Salerno.