Cava de' Tirreni
Cava de' Tirreni: a city between mountains and sea
Cava de' Tirreni is a city located in the hills of Campania, a few kilometers from the sea. With its 50,605 inhabitants, it is part of the province of Salerno and the Regional Park of the Lattari Mountains.
Territory
The municipality of Cava de' Tirreni develops in the territory of the Nocerino-Sarnese plain, which mixes mountains and agricultural plains, and in the Sorrento-Amalfi peninsula, where mountains and tourism dominate.
The city is located near the Tyrrhenian Sea, just 5 km from the Amalfi Coast. It is in a strategic position, being the northern gateway to the coast, and serves as a link between the Nocerino-Sarnese plain and the Sorrento-Amalfi peninsula.
The morphology of the territory is characterized by two mountain groups: to the west the Lattari Mountains, of limestone formation, and to the east predominantly low mountain ranges. The highest peak is Monte Finestra, which exceeds 1000 meters in altitude.
Climate
The climate of Cava de' Tirreni is typically Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers. However, due to the presence of mountains surrounding the city, the climate is rainier compared to the nearby coast. Monte Castello, in the center of the city, acts as a barrier for warm winds that collide with cool air masses coming from the inland to the northeast.
History
The "terre de la Cava", as they were called in the past, were inhabited by the Tyrrhenians, or Etruscans. In 1862, the municipal administration decided to change the name of the city to Cava de' Tirreni, in honor of its historical inhabitants.
During its history, the city has undergone several seismic events, but the most violent was the Irpinia earthquake in 1980. Nevertheless, the city has always recovered, thanks to its strategic position and the great strength of its inhabitants.
The beauty of nature
Flora and fauna
The territory of Cava de' Tirreni is rich in flora and fauna. On the hills surrounding the center of the city, there are many hamlets, places of residence for a preponderant part of the population.
In the area of the Lattari Mountains, one can admire holm oaks, chestnuts, and oaks, while in the Nocerino-Sarnese plain, there are olive trees, vineyards, and citrus fruits. Among the animals in the area, there are the Apennine wolf, the fox, the wild boar, the badger, the marten, and the weasel.
The Regional Park of the Lattari Mountains
The territory of Cava de' Tirreni is entirely immersed in the Regional Park of the Lattari Mountains. This natural park is characterized by its flora and fauna, but also by the abundance of natural resources and its numerous landscape beauties.
Inside the park, there are numerous nature trails that allow you to admire the beauty of the territory, such as the Path of the Gods, the Lemon Path, and the Path of the Five Towers. Moreover, the park is also the venue for numerous cultural and recreational events, such as the Festival of the Lattari Mountains.
Culture and traditions
Cava de' Tirreni is a city rich in culture and traditions. The city is famous for its medieval architecture, which can be admired in its historic center. The Cathedral of San Francesco, the Castle of Cava, the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, and the Church of Sant'Anna are just some of the places of historical and artistic interest.
Every year, the city celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Graces, a secular tradition that takes place in July. During the feast, the statue of Our Lady is carried in procession through the streets of the city, accompanied by fireworks and music.
Furthermore, the city is home to numerous cultural and artistic events, such as the International Folklore Festival, which takes place every year in September.
Economy
Agriculture
The economy of Cava de' Tirreni is mainly based on agriculture. In the Nocerino-Sarnese plain, vegetables, fruit, and olives are grown, while to the south of the city are the lemon groves of the Amalfi Coast.
Industry and commerce
Cava de' Tirreni is also an industrial city. In the municipal territory, there are numerous manufacturing companies that produce textiles, clothing, and shoes. Moreover, the city is also an important commercial center.
Conclusions
With its strategic position between mountains and sea, Cava de' Tirreni is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauties. The presence of the Regional Park of the Lattari Mountains, with its nature trails, makes the city an important destination for nature tourism. The economy of the city is mainly based on agriculture and manufacturing industry, which make it an important commercial center. The city, finally, is famous for its secular traditions, such as the Feast of Our Lady of Graces, which attracts tourists from all over the world every year.
