Roscigno vecchia

At the foot of the Alburni mountains there is the sleeping hamlet of Roscigno Vecchia. This town’s first settlement dates back to 1000 AD; then, in early 20th century, people left this hamlet, due to the incessant landslides, that’s why it is called the “walking city”.

The hamlet of Roscigno vecchia is after the populated area named Roscigno nuova. It is a small gem that keeps the features of the 18th century historic centre populated by artisans, shepherds and farmers.

Walking around the ghost town you will reach piazza Nicotera, with its fountain and the drinking trough, the typical Cilento houses, with wrought iron railings, the San Nicola di Bari church and the ancient workshops that still keep uncompleted works.

There is also a museum: the Roscigno’s Farming Civilization museum, that keeps objects and pictures of the ancient Cilento farmers daily life. It is open every day from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm. On both Saturday and Sunday it is open from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm as well.

The Casalicchio path leads to the plateau on the top of the Pruno Mount, that houses an archaeological site. Here you will find the remains of an Enotri settlement, later occupied by the Lucanians, that dates back to 7th – 3rd century BC and that includes tombs and a village surrounded by walls.

This archaeological site is crossed by one of the most ancient roads of the Cilento area; this road is an ancient mule track known as the trazzera degli stranieri (strangers’ road), and it leads to the Vallo di Diano and the Cilento hinterland.

South of Roscigno, right under the ponte di Sacco (Sacco bridge), there are the sorgenti del Sammaro (Sammaro’s springs), true wonders of nature right at the end of a calcareous gorge. This is an area rich in plants, grazing lands, streams and brooks, cold and pure water, rocks and grottoes, with a picnic area where you can stop at and relax after the excursion.

To reach Roscigno vecchia by car, drive along the A3 highway, take the exit signposted Atena Lucana, proceed along the SS 166 state road and divert towards Corleto Monforte.

If you leave from either Marina di Ascea or Casal Velino you have to take the state roads towards Vallo della Lucania and proceed towards Laurino-Piaggine up to Roscigno.