Cilento on the Road | SANTA MARIA DI CASTELLABATE

SANTA MARIA DI CASTELLABATE

The village is one of the coastal hamlets of Castellabate, including the National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni.
It stretches along the sea and is characterized by pastel houses, golden sandy beaches and emerald green sea. Its coast is amazingly varied represented by long beaches that alternate with natural coves and cliffs. Each year is awarded the blue flag award for its crystal clear waters.
The most famous sandy beaches are one of Pozzillo that extends up to San Marco di Castellabate, Marina Piccola and Punta Hell. In the old town there is a beautiful pine forest surrounding the villa Matarazzo dating from the nineteenth century, the summer residence of Count Francesco Matarazzo. Cilento prominent character who emigrated to Brazil in 1881 and became one of the world's major industrial.
In this splendid nineteenth century villa houses the Museum of the Sea which contains several archaeological findings reported in the area surrounding waters. The findings come from a Roman shipwreck found at more than 40 meters off Punta Licosa.
Between Bracale promenade and Marina Piccola is the pretty harbor Le Gatte, former remittance of fishermen, now meeting place of the lively summer and famous location of one of the most exciting scenes in the film "Welcome to the South" filmed in Castellabate in 2010. Continuing he come to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria a Mare, adjacent to the beach of Marina Piccola and pointed Perrotti stands the characteristic statue of Our Lady in front of the homonymous Norman-Aragonese tower.
Continue for about 350 meters to the south, there is the spectacular and princely Palazzo Belmonte built for the family of the Prince, Angelo Granito Pignatelli di Belmonte who currently lives there in a private wing.
It was once a hunting lodge of the Kings of Spain and Italy 's, today is the charming location for events. Arriving in St. Lucia where the headquarters of the municipality, you can 'drive towards an interesting course with various commercial activities and services.
This charming village is also a reference point for those who love the authentic cuisine based on fish. Marinated anchovies in the pan or salt are among the most delicious dishes. Interesting thematic events take place every year attracting thousands of people; It ranges from sporting events, to artistic events, music and film.