Terradura
Terradura: a hidden treasure
Hello friends! Today I will talk to you about a small hidden gem in the heart of Cilento, in the municipality of Ascea, in the province of Salerno. It is Terradura, the oldest and smallest hamlet of Ascea, an ideal destination for those seeking the peace and tranquility of the countryside.
History
Founded around the small parish church of San Michele Arcangelo, Terradura developed over the centuries thanks to the presence of dense vegetation and water sources, which allowed local populations to settle in this area. Throughout its history, Terradura has also been a fundamental stop for travelers who traveled the Via Popilia, one of the most important roads of Ancient Rome.
Physical geography
Located on a hill, along the provincial road 269 that connects Ascea to Santa Barbara and Ceraso, Terradura is immersed in the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, one of the most beautiful natural reserves in southern Italy. The hamlet is only 7 km from Ascea and 12 km from Elea-Velia, an ancient Greek city, and is therefore a perfect stop for lovers of art and history. In addition, the Ascea railway station, located in Marina di Ascea, makes it easy to reach other tourist destinations in the area.
Celebrations
Like many other hamlets in Cilento, Terradura still preserves today the religious and popular traditions that made it famous. There are two patron saints of the village, St. Michele Arcangelo and St. Sofia Martire, who are celebrated on September 29th and May 8th respectively. Among the most important festivals, we cannot forget the one in honor of N. S. di Costantinopoli, known as Madonna del Ponte, which is celebrated every year on August 12th. According to legend, the statue of the Virgin was found by farmers in an ancient abandoned structure near a bridge over the Bruca stream, about two kilometers from the inhabited center. Despite several attempts, the faithful were unable to bring the statue to the village, because it became increasingly heavy as they approached the bridge. These events were interpreted as supernatural signs, and it was decided to build a sanctuary in the same area. Today, the chapel is located in the "Ponte" locality, in the open countryside, and is the destination of pilgrimages by the faithful.
Conclusion
Here is a small hidden treasure in the heart of Cilento, which represents an ideal place for those seeking the peace and tranquility of the countryside. Terradura, with its centuries-old history and its religious and popular traditions, is a place not to be missed if you are on vacation in Campania. To reach the hamlet, just follow the provincial road 269 from Ascea and admire the beauty of the Cilento hills. See you soon in Terradura!
