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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.