A day trip to Mount Gelbison
Cilento
-A majestic mountain with a rich history and culture
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The path to the top of Mount Gelbison: an experience of spirituality and nature in the heart of Cilento.
When visiting the Cilento region, it is impossible to miss the imposing mountain in the background of many landscapes. On the clearest days, it appears to be surmounted by a cross: this is Mount Gelbison, or Mount Sacro. This peak, the highest in the Cilento territory with its 1,705 meters above sea level, represents a place of high environmental and naturalistic value. In the woods that cover the slopes of the mountain, there are several crystal-clear streams and numerous species of plants and animals. The path that leads to the top of the mountain is one of the most famous in the Cilento National Park. The route, beaten by pilgrims for a thousand years, is from three to five kilometers long and can be covered in about three hours. Once you reach the summit, you can admire the three-nave Sanctuary founded by the Basilian monks in the 10th century dedicated to the Madonna dell'Assunta. From the square in front of the Sanctuary, you can enjoy a breathtaking view that embraces almost the entire Cilento, with the Alburni Mountains on one side and the Tyrrhenian Sea on the other. Further away, towards the south, the Pollino massif. Beyond the profile of the Amalfi Coast and the Palinuro promontory, the outlines of Ischia and Capri can be seen.
Along the entire path, paved with local stone, it is possible to admire the succession of different types of vegetation: from chestnuts to firs, from beech trees to Neapolitan alders, depending on the altitude, but also dogwoods and shrubs of various species. In the undergrowth, it is sometimes possible to glimpse the dens of small predatory mammals: foxes, otters, weasels and martens. The first part of the route is parallel to the Torna stream which, winding its way between large sandstone boulders, creates an enchanting landscape rich in small waterfalls. Further on in the track you reach the Fiumefreddo spring, whose clear water springs near an effigy of the Madonna. Before reaching the Sanctuary, you come across the "cross of Rofrano", the meeting point between the two ancient paths that lead to the mountain. Here there are two piles of stones surmounted by a cross (the "mountains of piety"), an emblem of the pilgrims' devotion. On the way back, it is worth stopping to visit the small village of Novi Velia, an ancient Cilento center located at the foot of the mountain, on a hill that dominates the entire valley below. The visit to the ancient Lombard Tower, the Celestine Convent and the Castle of the Barons of Marzano is recommended. Mount Gelbison is a truly special place, offering visitors a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and religious significance. Whether you are a hiker, a nature lover or simply seeking a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Mount Gelbison is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Where to stay near the Monte Gelbison
Accommodations for holidays in Cilento.
Villetta del Sole
villas in Casal Velino
Villa for vacation in Cilento: can accommodate up to 5 people. Large outdoor spaces and reserved parking space...
- Rooms: 2
- - Guests: 5
- - Dist. from the beach (m.): 4500
- - Gas oven
- - Gas radiators
- - Refrigerator
- - Garden with tables and chairs
- - Parking
- - Shared washing machine
- gas oven
- gas radiators
- refrigerator
- garden with tables and chairs
- parking
- shared washing machine
Villetta Carmen
villas in Casal Velino
New and independent on 2 levels with an area of 130 square meters. It can accommodate up to 4 people. It has a garden, parking space...
- Rooms: 2
- - Guests: 4
- - Dist. from the beach (m.): 4000
- - Bathrooms (2)
- - Equipped kitchen
- - Tv (2)
- - Garden
- - Parking
- bathrooms (2)
- equipped kitchen
- tv (2)
- washing machine
- garden
- parking
Where to stay near the Monte Gelbison: view holiday homes, hotels, bed and breakfasts and farmhouses where you can spend your holidays.
A day trip to Mount Gelbison: useful information
The Sacro Monte of Novi Velia is a pilgrimage destination to the Sanctuary of Maria SS. Of the Mountain. Thousands of faithful, every year, coming from Basilicata, Calabria as well as Campania, visit the sacred places of the mountain. The Sanctuary is open to visitors from the last Sunday of May until the second Sunday of October. To reach the summit you can follow the pilgrim paths on foot or you can take the main road by car. Along the route there are several rest areas where you can stop for refreshments and rest. The mountains of Cilento are rich in history and culture. There are ancient medieval villages, castles, and churches to visit. You can also discover the culinary traditions of Cilento, with its typical products such as goat cheese, wine, and olive oil.
Municipality of Novi Velia: | www.comune.novivelia.sa.it |
Geographic location
Mount Gelbison can be reached from the north by taking the A3 SA/RC motorway to the Battipaglia exit, where you turn onto the SS 18 Tirrena Inferiore. From here, follow the signs for Vallo della Lucania. Once in the city center, continue in the direction of Novi Velia for about 3.5 km. Just before the village and the historic center of Novi Velia, the road leading to the mountain begins. The nearest railway station is Vallo della Lucania-Castelnuovo. Here you can take buses to Vallo della Lucania and then Novi Velia.
Distance from Salerno: | 92 km, approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes by car |
Railway station: | Vallo della Lucania-Castelnuovo, 15 km |
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Towns to visit in Cilento
Cilento is a region rich in natural landscapes and history, and its villages are a testimony to its beauty. There are towns on the sea, such as Acciaroli, Palinuro and Marina di Camerota, where it is possible to enjoy the beach and the crystal clear sea. Other towns such as Castellabate, Casal Velino and Pollica are located on the hills and offer breathtaking panoramic views of the coast.
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