Perdifumo
Discovering Perdifumo
Hello friends! Today I am going to talk to you about a small Italian village located in the province of Salerno, in Campania. I am referring to Perdifumo (Pièrdifumë in the Campanian dialect), a municipality with about 1727 inhabitants that is located inside the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park. For those who do not know, Cilento is one of Italy's most charming places, full of sea, mountains and countryside.
Physical Geography
Perdifumo is classified as zone 3, which is a low seismicity area. This information is important because it helps to ensure the safety of citizens.
History
The history of Perdifumo is very fascinating and, if you are interested in art history, I recommend visiting the village. One of the places of interest is the monastery of Sant'Arcangelo, which dates back to the 11th century. It was around this monastery that the first nucleus of the inhabited center was born, thanks to the absorption of the inhabitants of Sant'Arcangelo.
The village gradually developed into an agricultural area, also thanks to its location near a stream. In fact, the name "Perdifumo" means "pes-de-flumine", which in Campanian dialect means "feet from the river".
In 1073 Sant'Arcangelo became dependent on the Abbey of Cava, and the center of Perdifumo must have already existed in 1077, when the Normans conquered the Principality of Salerno. In 1083, about fifty family nuclei were residing in Perdifumo. In the 16th century, the village passed from one noble family to another, including the Sanseverino and Caracciolo families.
What to see in Perdifumo
Among the attractions not to be missed in Perdifumo is certainly the monumental fountain built in the 1500s. Two inscriptions recounting the history of the various feudal owners over the centuries are inscribed on it. You should also not miss the church of the village, dedicated to Santa Maria degli Angeli, and the palace of the feudal lord.
But the real gem of Perdifumo is undoubtedly the breathtaking panorama that can be enjoyed from the village. From the main square, in fact, you can admire the entire valley of the Alento river, the surrounding plains and the sea in the distance.
Local Cuisine
If you visit Perdifumo, don't miss the opportunity to taste the typical dishes of Cilento cuisine. Among the absolute musts are buffalo mozzarella, black olives, homemade bread, fresh handmade pasta, and fresh fish from the sea of Palinuro. Also not to be missed are the local wines, ideal to accompany traditional dishes.
Curiosities
Did you know that the village gave birth to two important contemporary personalities? They are the former Mayor of Naples, Rosa Russo Iervolino, and the Italian art critic, Vittorio Sgarbi. Both were born in Perdifumo and have contributed to spreading Italian culture and art around the world.
Conclusions
As you can understand, Perdifumo is a place full of history and natural beauty, where you can discover the true essence of Italy. If you are in the area, pay a visit to the town and you will be captivated by its timeless charm. Don't forget to taste the delicious typical dishes of the local cuisine and maybe bring home some of the local olive oil and wine. We look forward to welcoming you to Perdifumo!
