Controne
Welcome to Controne: a cozy village at the foot of the Monti Alburni
Welcome to Controne, an Italian municipality located in the province of Salerno, in Campania. This picturesque village has only 779 inhabitants and is situated at the foot of the Monti Alburni and near the Calore Lucano river. It is immersed in the territory of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, making it the ideal place for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
The geography of Controne
Controne enjoys a temperate climate and belongs to zone 2 in terms of seismicity. Its territory, among the most suggestive of Cilento, is characterized by mountainous and hilly landscapes and by an altitude that ranges from 200 to 700 meters above sea level. The view from the top of the Monti Alburni is breathtaking and encompasses the Gulf of Salerno and the entire Sele Valley.
The history of Controne: an ancient community
Controne is an ancient settlement that dates back to the 9th century A.D. The first inhabitants of the village were exiles from Pestano. After taking refuge in this area following the invasion of the Sybarites in Poseidonia, the exiles found a first settlement in a locality called "Pezza". The name of the municipality derives from its position, facing the sun, and from the Greek "helios".
Controne boasts a rich history and culture, also testified by the various coins depicting Neptune found on the archaeological site and by the remains of a temple located in "Pezza".
The culture of Controne
Controne is a small but active community rich in events. The Fagiolo Festival, born in 1983, is one of the most important festivals in the region. The initiative was promoted by the administration to promote an exceptional product that, until then, was known only to residents. This celebration has contributed to the economic growth of the municipality, becoming a reference point for bean producers.
The Fagiolo Festival of Controne
The Fagiolo Festival of Controne is now a highly anticipated event for visitors and residents of the municipality. It is held every year in July and lasts about a week. It is a real celebration of food, music, and culture, which attracts hundreds of people every year.
During the Fagiolo Festival, the village hosts a market and a local craft fair. In the evening, there are several concerts and shows with the participation of artists of all genres and levels. During the week, the Controne bean becomes the undisputed protagonist of the menu, with many delicacies based on beans prepared by the villagers.
The emblem of Controne: the two-headed eagle
The coat of arms of the Municipality of Controne is very particular. In the center of the shield, a two-headed eagle with outspread wings, gray in color, can be seen. According to some historians, one head of the eagle represents the West and the other the East, in particular the two halves of the Byzantine Empire. Controne is one of the four Italian municipalities to adopt a two-headed eagle in its coat of arms.
The silver crown placed above the shield is the nobiliary crown used by Italian cities. Below the shield, two branches are intertwined, one of olive and the other of oak, symbols of peace and dignity.
Conclusions
In summary, Controne is a welcoming and picturesque municipality. Its territory, located at the foot of the Monti Alburni, offers spectacular landscapes and a unique naturalistic experience. The village community is very attached to tradition and history, as demonstrated by the Fagiolo Festival. The celebration is now an important opportunity to discover local gastronomy and spend carefree moments. Come and discover all that Controne has to offer!
