San Mauro la Bruca
San Mauro La Bruca - The Pearl of Cilento
If you're looking for a little piece of paradise on the Cilentan coast, San Mauro La Bruca could be just what you're looking for. This small Italian commune is located in the province of Salerno in Campania, and has only 540 inhabitants. However, this doesn't mean that it's an uninteresting place. On the contrary, San Mauro La Bruca has an ancient and fascinating history that's worth discovering.
Physical geography
The municipality of San Mauro La Bruca is located inside the National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni. The area is classified as seismically low, making it a safe place to live and visit. The climate here is temperate, with long, hot, and dry summers. However, coastal breezes like the "punenti" and the "viento ri terra" mitigate the summer heat.
Origins of the name
The name of the municipality derives from Saint Mauro abbot, who lived during the time of Saint Benedict of Nursia and was his disciple in Subiaco. It's believed that in ancient times there was a small monastery dedicated to Saint Mauro abbot in the district of Santa Maria, near which the ancient settlement developed. It's thought that the final part of the name "La Bruca" derives from a toponym of Greek origin, although the exact etymology remains unknown.
History
According to the local parish priest, the old settlement was located in the district of Santa Maria, one kilometer south of the current settlement. Also located in this area was the Benedictine Abbey dedicated to Saint Mauro. It's believed that the church of Saint Mauro was founded by the Benedictines around the same time as the refoundation of the Abbey of Saint Basil the Great of San Nazario, which took place in 1044.
Over the centuries, the settlement moved further north, but the causes of this phenomenon remain unknown. However, according to ancient oral tradition, the ancient settlement in the Santa Maria district was repeatedly destroyed by the Saracens.
What to see in San Mauro La Bruca
San Mauro La Bruca is home to numerous tourist attractions, including:
- The parish church of Saint Mauro abbot, with a beautiful baroque façade
- Allegro Palace, a historic building that houses the Archaeological Museum of Cilento
- The Castle of San Mauro, a medieval fortress
- The Brigands Cave, a natural cave located on the slopes of Mount Bulgheria
- The Adelasia Trail, a hiking path that offers a panoramic view of the Cilentan coast
Local cuisine
San Mauro La Bruca offers a variety of typical local dishes, including pasta and beans, bread and tomato, and roasted pork or lamb sausages. In addition, it's possible to taste the famous Cilento goat cheese, accompanied by a glass of regional wine.
Conclusions
San Mauro La Bruca is a place of rare beauty, where nature, history, and culture intersect harmoniously. If you want to spend a peaceful vacation, away from the chaos of the cities, this commune is the ideal place for you. Moreover, if you're a fan of hiking and outdoor sports, San Mauro La Bruca will offer you numerous opportunities to practice them. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this little gem of Campania.
