Cardile
Cardile: a historic hamlet in the Cilento National Park
Welcome to the hamlet of Cardile, located in the municipality of Gioi, in the province of Salerno! This ancient hamlet has a history dating back probably to the 8th or 10th century, when a group of Italian and Greek monks founded a "Basilian laura" still called "la Laura" today. This choice was motivated by the need to find a place of quiet and meditation, where the monks could live in peace and share their spirituality.
History of Cardile
To discover the history of Cardile, it is necessary to take a leap back in time to the middle of the 11th century. At that time, the constant raids of Frederick Barbarossa forced the old rural settlements of the region to join forces to build a new settlement with a primary purpose: defending themselves. The Basilian laura took the new name of Cardile and the small community prospered for many years, despite difficult periods such as the plague epidemic of 1656.
Famines, plagues, and the oppressions of the Siniscalchi barons forced the population of Cardile to embrace superstition. From here arose the figure of the "janara," a kind of witch who was said to live in some caves in the area. In 1808, Cardile began to write its story thanks to the figures of illustrious personalities such as Davide, Alessandro, and Licurgo Riccio, who participated in the Carbonerie of Cilento in 1828.
Every year, on June 24th, Cardile celebrates its patron saint, Saint John the Baptist. The church of the village is dedicated to him and the population joins in celebration to commemorate this important date.
Bibliography and links
To learn more about the history of Cardile, you can read the book "Cardile: la Chiesa San Giovanni Battista" published by the cultural association "Martiri Riccio" of Cardile in 1997.
Cardile is located in the heart of the Cilento National Park and Vallo di Diano, an area rich in history, natural beauty, and ancient traditions. To learn more about the park and the surrounding area, you can consult the official website of the Park or book a guided tour through the numerous local agencies.
Conclusions
Cardile is a historic hamlet that has a lot to offer. Its history is marked by difficult moments but also by great events and important figures, which have made it a unique and charming place. Those who visit Cilento cannot miss a visit to Cardile and discover its hidden treasures. We await you!
