Roccagloriosa
Welcome to Roccagloriosa!
Hello! Today I want to take you on a journey to discover Roccagloriosa, a town in the province of Salerno, in Campania. With its 1567 inhabitants and its small hamlet of Acquavena, it is a municipality located in the center of a geographically well-defined region, which includes the valleys of Mingardo and Bussento and overlooks the Gulf of Policastro. If you love nature and breathtaking landscapes, Roccagloriosa is the place for you: it is in fact located in the territory of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
Physical geography
The territory of Roccagloriosa is enclosed by a group of hills: Monte Scuro and Monte Sacro to the west, the massif of Monte Cervati to the north and Monte Rotondo to the east. This arrangement allows the area to be considered a unique entity within the Cilento region. In addition, the area is connected by a series of passes through all the hills with neighboring areas, thus opening the way to those who want to explore the surrounding area. The ridge of Monte Capitenali, where the municipality is located, constitutes a watershed between the Mingardo valley and the Bussento valley.
Origins of the name
Popular tradition holds that the name Roccagloriosa derives from the Latin Rocca,-ae and Gloriosa. The first term indicates the strategic location of the village, a stronghold for centuries, while the second emphasizes the veneration for the Virgin Mary. Although we are not entirely sure of the origin of the name, it is interesting to know the history and legend behind it.
History
Roccagloriosa has a very rich history, dating back to the Bronze Age, as evidenced by the artifacts found on the hill called "Le Chiaie". However, the most important evidence dates back to the Iron Age, when a seasonal settlement developed in the area. From the 5th century BC, a settlement of rectangular elongated houses developed, placed on a stone base. From the 4th century BC to the 3rd century BC, a defensive perimeter of the settlement was established, i.e. a wall built with limestone blocks, leaving the necropolis outside. The Lucanian people played an important role in the civil and administrative life of the municipality, so much so that on a bronze tablet fragment, dated to the 4th century BC-3rd century BC, a statute concerning the institutional civil organization of the ancient town was found.
In the 1st century BC, the survivors of the destruction of Orbitania erected a new settlement, not far from the first, on a rocky spur called Armo. This period was also marked by the construction of important buildings, such as the Roman theater and the cistern, both still visible today.
Tourist attractions
Roccagloriosa is not only history, but also art, culture, and nature. In fact, the Roman theater and the cistern are just two of the buildings of interest that the town offers to visitors. Among the tourist attractions, it is worth mentioning the Mother Church of San Nicola, built on a pre-existing pagan temple, and the Church of Madonna delle Grazie, dating back to the 18th century. In addition, Roccagloriosa is surrounded by unspoiled nature and offers hiking and mountain biking trails, suitable for all levels of difficulty.
The festival of Madonna delle Grazie
Every year, the first weekend of August, Roccagloriosa gets dressed up to celebrate Madonna delle Grazie. The festival begins on Friday evening, with the parade of musical bands, and continues on Saturday with the procession of the Madonna statue along the traditional "stretches". Finally, Sunday is the most anticipated day: the solemn Mass in the Church of Madonna delle Grazie and the procession through the streets of the town accompanied by fireworks and music.
Conclusions
Roccagloriosa is a town that combines history, nature, art, and culture. Anyone who wants to discover this corner of paradise in Cilento cannot miss the opportunity to visit it. In Roccagloriosa, you will be welcomed with open arms by its inhabitants, always ready to welcome tourists and show them the best of their community. We look forward to welcoming you!
