Altavilla Silentina

Welcome to Altavilla Silentina!

Hello everyone! Today I'll talk to you about Altavilla Silentina, a beautiful town in Campania, located in the province of Salerno. About 6,871 people live here who, like me, love their city and all that it has to offer. If you've never been to Altavilla, you don't know what you're missing!

Altavilla Silentina: History, Nature and Events.

Natural Beauty

The Territory

The name Altavilla Silentina derives from its location, situated on a hill covered with olive trees. In the town there are two ridges, one old dating back to the Middle Ages and a new area built after World War II. The town stretches over 52 square kilometers, with parts on flat ground and parts on hills. Altavilla is surrounded by the Calore Lucano river, the Malnome stream to the south, and the Cosa stream to the southwest.

The Climate

Altavilla Silentina has a typical Mediterranean climate of the Campania region, with mild and humid winters and hot and dry summers. The average temperature in January is about 6.8 degrees Celsius and in August it is about 24.4 degrees Celsius.

The History of Altavilla Silentina

The History of the Roman Era

The territory of Altavilla Silentina is rich in history. It is said that the city of Carilla stood in the place of Altavilla, destroyed by Hannibal and described by Silio Italico in book VIII of Punica. Later, during the slave revolt led by Spartacus, the town became the place where their last and definitive defeat against the Roman army took place.

The History of the Norman Era

But the real history of Altavilla began in the second half of the 11th century, when the Normans built the city. The village was surrounded by walls and had three gates: Porta di Suso, Porta Carina, and Porta San Biagio. The historic center of Altavilla Silentina, located on the hill, is inhabited by about 1,800 people, while the new part of the town built after World War II extends to the northeast.

Events and Attractions

There are many things to do and see in Altavilla Silentina. The town is famous for its many festivals, religious and cultural events. In particular, the patron saint festival of San Biagio on February 3 and 4 is very important for the citizens of Altavilla. During the festival, the statue of San Biagio is carried in procession through the streets of the town. The city is also famous for its traditional cuisine, including dishes like Cilento lasagna, chestnuts, and wine.

But that's not all. There are also many natural and cultural attractions in Altavilla Silentina. For example, the Norman Castle, located in Umberto I square, is one of the most famous places in the city. Built at the beginning of the 12th century, the castle has been restored and is currently used as a museum. Altavilla Silentina is also the perfect base for exploring the beautiful countryside of Campania. You can go on excursions, bike rides, or simply take a walk along the Calore Lucano River.

Conclusions

In summary, Altavilla Silentina is a city full of history, beauty, and fun. The city offers many things to see and do, from great cuisine to cultural and natural events, and a wide range of tourist attractions. I hope I have convinced you to visit Altavilla Silentina soon. I assure you that you won't regret it!

Camilla Ricci
Wrote by Camilla Ricci
Updated Tuesday, Dec 20, 2022