San Cipriano

Welcome to San Cipriano Picentino!

Hi everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a beautiful village in Campania: San Cipriano Picentino. If you're looking for a place to enjoy the beauty of the Italian landscape, between city, sea, and mountain, this is the right place for you.

Physical Geography

San Cipriano Picentino is located in the province of Salerno and is a village with about 6,500 inhabitants. The village is located on a hill on the eastern slopes of Monte Monna (Salerno) and offers a breathtaking panorama. You will be able to admire the city of Salerno, the port, and, if you are lucky enough, also the Amalfi and Cilento coasts. The dominant vegetation is that of dry fruits, hazelnuts, and chestnuts in particular, but there are also olive trees and vines that give life to excellent olive oil and wine.

San Cipriano Picentino: nature, history, and gastronomy in Salerno

History

Like many villages in the Monti Picentini area, San Cipriano Picentino owes its origins to the destruction of Picentia around 268 BC by the Romans, which caused the dispersion of its inhabitants in the surrounding territories. The name of the village would derive from Tascio Cecilio Cipriano, Christian martyr saint, and the first document in which there is news of a church dedicated to such Saint Cyprian dates back to 1049. In 1460, the village was entrusted to the Baron of Santo Mango, while in 1531, it managed to detach itself from the Principality becoming a free University with a government elected by the populations of the villages. In 1811, it was the capital of the homonymous district belonging to the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, while since 1860, it has been the capital of the district belonging to the Salerno district. In 1929, the municipality of Giffoni Sei Casali joined San Cipriano Picentino, but in 1944, it regained autonomy.

Symbols

The coat of arms and the gonfalon of the municipality of San Cipriano Picentino were granted by the decree of the President of the Republic in 2009. The coat of arms is divided into four parts, representing the figure of Saint Cyprian, the symbol of communal freedom, the fig tree, and a tower house. The gonfalon has a red color and bears the municipal coat of arms.

What to see

The village offers numerous attractions for visitors, including the Castle of San Cipriano, which houses the Museum of the Picentine Identity and the Presepe Museum, and the Church of San Cipriano Martire. But it doesn't end here! You can admire the numerous churches, convents, basilicas, and votive chapels that are located in the Picentini mountains, as well as guided tours to discover the ancient farms and villages of the hamlets of Vignale, Pezzano, Filetta, and Campigliano. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in the Feast of San Cipriano, which takes place on September 16, or in the numerous festivals that take place throughout the year.

What to eat

You cannot leave San Cipriano Picentino without tasting the typical local products, such as the famous hazelnuts and chestnuts. But the local cuisine also offers other tasty dishes, such as pizzaiola with meat pieces, sausage with broccoli, roast pork rabbit, and pasta with sausage. To end on a sweet note, don't miss the zeppole di San Giuseppe or the mustaccioli al miele.

How to get there

San Cipriano Picentino is easily accessible from the city of Salerno, which is only 13 km away. You can take a bus or rent a car to enjoy the panorama of the area. If you arrive by plane, the nearest airport is Naples, while if you prefer the train, you can get off at the Salerno station.

Conclusions

In conclusion, San Cipriano Picentino is a place to visit at least once in a lifetime. Not only is it a charming place to enjoy the beauty of nature, but it also offers a history and a culture rich in charm. Don't wait any longer, book your trip to San Cipriano Picentino today!

Simone Costa
Wrote by Simone Costa
Updated Tuesday, Feb 7, 2023