Piaggine
Discover Piaggine: a gem in the heart of the Cilento National Park
If you're looking for a place to visit in Italy, then you should keep an eye on the Municipality of Piaggine. This beautiful village is located in the province of Salerno, in the Campania region and has about 1156 inhabitants. With a series of monuments, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a friendly atmosphere, Piaggine is a place worth visiting.
Physical geography
Territory
Piaggine is located in zone 2 - medium seismicity - according to the PCM Ordinance 3274 of 20/03/2003 and is situated on several slopes near the Calore Lucano river. There are also many mountains near the municipality, such as Mount Cervati, which rises to 1899 meters.
Climate
The climate of Piaggine is Mediterranean, with cold winters and possible snowfall, thanks to the proximity of Mount Cervati.
History
Piaggine, previously known as ''Piaggine Soprane,'' was a place of interest in the ancient administrative subdivision of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, belonging to the district of Vallo del Regno delle Due Sicilie, from 1811 to 1860. In 1860, after annexation to the Kingdom of Italy, the city changed its name to Piaggine, becoming part of the mandament of Laurino, in the district of Vallo della Lucania.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Piaggine is located inside the Cilento National Park and shows a unique atmosphere, thanks to its ancient palaces, narrow streets, and churches that tower over the village. Some of the most famous churches are the Church of San Nicola, the Church of the Madonna del Carmine, and the chapel of the Madonna delle Grazie. Piaggine is also rich in dense forests, such as the Cervatello and the Mercori woods.
Society
Demographic evolution
In recent years, the population of Piaggine has seen a slight increase.
Traditions and folklore
Piaggine has a strong culture linked to the history of the city and the Catholic religion. At the end of July, there are celebrations dedicated to the Madonna della Neve on the top of Mount Cervati, while other religious celebrations include the Feast of San Nicola and the Feast of the Madonna del Carmine.
Infrastructure and transport
Roads
Piaggine is well connected to the surrounding area through a series of provincial roads, including the Provincial Road 11/D “Laurino (Innesto SP 69)-Piaggine-Bivio Sacco-Sella del Corticato-S.Marco,” the Provincial Road 69 “Innesto SP 11 (Presso Laurino)-Villa Littorio,” the Provincial Road 72/C “Madonna del Monte Vivo-Piaggine,” the Provincial Road 229 “Innesto SP 11 (S.Cristoforo)-Innesto SP 69 (loc. S.Lorenzo di Villa Littorio),” and the Provincial Road 388 “Piaggine-Monte Cervati.”
Administration
Mayors
The current mayor of Piaggine is Giovanni Linguiti.
Twinning
Piaggine currently has no twinning.
Other administrative information
Piaggine is part of the Calore Salernitano Mountain Community and the Union of Alto Calore municipalities. The interregional basin authority of the Sele river is responsible for soil defense in the surrounding area.
Conclusion
Located in the heart of the Cilento National Park, Piaggine is a secret gem of Italy. This small village enchants visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, its historical and religious culture, and its ancient architectural structures. With visits to its numerous monuments and celebrations of its peculiar traditions, Piaggine is surely a destination that everyone should put on their agenda.
