Aquara
Aquara: Discovering the Hometown of Lucido di Aquara
If you're looking for a destination to visit in Campania, why not consider Aquara? This Italian municipality of 1348 inhabitants, located in the province of Salerno, boasts a thousand-year-old history and a strategic geographical position on the hill, at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level, which allows you to enjoy a wonderful view of the Valle del Calore and the Alburni mountains. Here is everything you need to know about Aquara and its places of interest.
Physical Geography
Aquara is located in the center of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park. The surrounding territory is crossed by the Lucanian Calore river, a tributary of the Sele. Thanks to its privileged position, from Aquara you can admire one of the most beautiful views in Italy: Mount Gelbison and, on clearer days, the island of Capri.
Origins of the name
The name Aquara takes inspiration from the abundance of water in the territory, a characteristic that you can appreciate by observing the coat of arms of the municipality, depicting an Amazon holding two Hydrias, water containers.
History
The history of Aquara dates back to the Greek era. The city was dominated by various cultures, from that of the Lombards to the Angevins, from the Swabians to the Bourbons. Among the feudal lords were Guglielmo d'Altavilla, Pandolfo Fasanella, Tommaso Sanseverino and Ettore Fieramosca, who participated in the famous Disfida di Barletta. In the 19th century, Aquara was part of the Administrative Subdivision of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and, later, of the Sant'Angelo a Fasanella district during the Kingdom of Italy.
Monuments and places of interest
Aquara is rich in historical and architectural sites of great relevance, such as the Spinelli castle, which dates back to the 15th century and has a quadrangular shape. Just a short distance from the castle, you can admire the Fountain of the Amazons, built in the 18th century, depicting a mythological scene with Amazons taking water. In the Madonna del Piano area, downstream of the town, a Roman-era residential complex was discovered.
Things to do in Aquara
If you're looking for outdoor activities, in Aquara you can go trekking or mountain biking on the Alburni mountains or in the natural areas of the national park. Alternatively, you can take a cultural excursion to visit the monuments that characterize the Aquara territory.
Events
The festival of San Lucido is the most anticipated event in Aquara. It is celebrated every year on October 15th and represents the perfect opportunity to discover the local culture and traditions.
Conclusions
Aquara is a little-known destination but with great historical and artistic value. Whatever your interest, you cannot remain unaffected by the beauties of this city. Discover the Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni National Park, take a cultural excursion or take advantage of a walk in nature. Aquara awaits you!
