Sanza
Welcome to Sanza: a municipality in the mountains of Cilento
Sanza is a Campanian municipality of 2,369 inhabitants located in the province of Salerno, Italy. The territory is vast and includes mountain ranges including Mount Cervati. However, Sanza is particularly famous for its unique morphology, which originates from the presence of karst phenomena.
The Territory
The Sanza municipality is located on the border with the eastern part of Cilento, between the Vallo di Diano and the Gulf of Policastro. Mountainous areas characterize the entire territory, which, despite its overall vastness, is not very extensive from a habitat perspective. The ancient village developed on the slopes of Mount Cervati, surrounded by the green mountains of the Apennines.
The Morphology of the Territory
Sanza is located in a geologically very interesting area where karst represents the main phenomenon. The Cervato area is an important hydrographic basin fed by the rivers Bussento, Mingardo, and Calore Lucano. The territory is characterized by karst forms, holes dug by streams, and numerous springs. Among the natural attractions to visit are the "grava of Festolaro," the "Affonnaturo" of Vallevona at an altitude of 1070 m, and the Varco la Peta spring at an altitude of 909 m.
Karst Phenomena
Karst is a natural phenomenon that occurs in an area where the soil becomes permeable due to fissures or cavities. This phenomenon causes both the formation of "sinkholes" or depressions and the formation of swallow holes. In the municipality of Sanza, the presence of karst phenomena is evident in some inhabited areas, such as the locality of Lago, where three swallow holes are located, the most famous of which is that of Rio Torto, consisting of a large gap about thirty meters high.
The Bussento River
The Bussento River is the only karst river entirely located in Italian territory. This river flows entirely in the municipality of Sanza before flowing into the Gulf of Policastro. The watercourse then feeds the formation of another karst phenomenon near Caselle in Pittari and then re-emerges near the Grotte del Bussento oasis in Morigerati.
Conclusion
Sanza is a Campanian municipality that deserves to be visited for its unique morphology and the characteristic phenomenon of karst. The municipality has numerous natural attractions, including the Varco la Peta spring, the "grava of Festolaro," and the "Affonnaturo" of Vallevona. Additionally, we cannot fail to mention the Bussento River and the swallow hole of Rio Torto. Come and visit Sanza and discover the charm of karst nature!
