Corleto Monforte
Welcome to Corleto Monforte!
Hello! Are you ready to discover one of the most beautiful towns in the province of Salerno? Well, today we will talk about Corleto Monforte, a small town immersed in the Cilento region, which has only 517 inhabitants. Despite its size, this town is able to amaze visitors with its geographical location and its ancient and fascinating history.
Physical geography
Corleto Monforte is located in the northeast of Cilento, surrounded by the greenery of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, near the Alburni Mountains and the Bosco di Corleto. The town is crossed by the SS166 road and by the provincial road connecting Corleto to Postiglione, passing through the Castelcivita Caves. The historic centre lies next to the ravine overlooking the valley of the Fasanella River. We are in seismic zone 2, so you don't have to worry about any earthquakes.
History
The original name of Corleto Monforte was Cornito, probably derived from the presence of cornelian cherry trees. Over time, the name evolved to Corneto and then to Corleto. The nickname "Monforte" is due to the local feudal lords, who belonged to the De Monfort family. Are you curious to know the historical events that have distinguished this town? From 1811 to 1860, Corleto Monforte was part of the district of Campagna of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies, while from 1860 to 1927 it was part of the mandamento of Sant'Angelo a Fasanella, during the Kingdom of Italy.
Curiosities
The heart is the symbol of Corleto Monforte. You can find it everywhere: on the decorations of the facades of the houses, on the steps of the stairs and even on the dome of the parish church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. But why the heart? The Corletani are known for being cheerful and hospitable, so they decided to call their town "Corleto" because the heart expresses joy and affection. A fascinating tradition that goes back to ancient times.
How to get there
To get to Corleto Monforte by car, you are invited to follow the provincial road starting from Postiglione or the SS166 road. If you want to reach the town by train, you can get off at Battipaglia or Salerno station and then take a bus.
What to see
The natural landscape of Corleto Monforte will conquer you. Among the main attractions, we recommend the Gurgo Fountain, located in the Santa Maria fraction, built in 1224 and known for its fresh and crystalline water. Unmissable are also the Castelcivita Caves, a series of natural cavities over 3 kilometres long and the Contursi Thermal Baths, where you can relax and enjoy the healing properties of water. Finally, don't miss the parish church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built in 1711 and featuring a breathtaking dome.
Restaurants and gastronomy
Cilento cuisine is tasty and rich in genuine flavours. Corleto Monforte is no exception. Here you can taste the typical dishes of the tradition, starting from homemade pasta such as fusilli with mussels and fusilli with pork sauce. Unmissable is the bean soup and, as a dessert, the delicious "pastiera di grano". Among the best restaurants in the town, we recommend "Le Campanine" and "Il Mulino del Cilento".
Conclusion
We have come to the end of this brief guide to Corleto Monforte. As you have seen, this town is able to offer visitors a combination of natural beauty and ancient history. Don't hesitate to visit it if you are looking for a quiet place to relax and discover the beauties of Southern Italy. We are sure you won't regret it!
