Altavilla Silentina: Cente, History and Trails

Altavilla Silentina combines vibrant traditions, a historic centre that has remained almost unchanged, and eight signposted trails. Those wishing to plan a trip combining culture, history and activity will find a range of options here: from the artistically decorated Cente and medieval alleyways to trails suitable for hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking.

Cente and festivals as distinctive traditions

Among the most distinctive customs of Altavilla Silentina are the “Cente”. These are special votive offerings, usually boat-shaped, made from candles of different sizes set on wooden and metal frames. Ribbons, lights and flowers give them their characteristic appearance. The Festa di Sant'Antonio da Padova and the procession of the Cente take place on 13 June in Altavilla Silentina. During the procession, the Cente, usually thirteen, are carried together with the statue of the saint to every house in the town.

The tradition is also kept alive through events such as the “Palio delle Cente” and historical re-enactments. The August fair tradition is also present in Altavilla Silentina and is known by the name “Fera r'austt”. These dates and customs give a trip a distinctly cultural focus and make local history visible not only in buildings but also in community festivals.

Historic centre and places of remembrance

The Visitaltavilla walking route leads through the main streets of the historic centre and through medieval alleyways. Along the way, it takes in buildings, monuments and artistic installations. The 18th-century urban layout has remained almost unchanged. As you pass through the alleyways, ever-changing panoramic views open up again and again. The Monastery of San Francesco was built around 1435; the date 1761 can be read in the Church of San Francesco, and the work in question is attributed to Solimena.

The Percorso della Memoria offers another historical perspective. Using information panels and digital content, it reconstructs the sites of the Battle of Altavilla in September 1943. Quota 424 also belongs to this historical context: when the Allied landing on the coast of the Gulf of Salerno was being planned, it was considered a strategic objective. A monument to the fallen of all sides in the battles fought there was erected at Quota 424.

Trails for different travel plans

For a focused tour of the town, Visitaltavilla offers a clear cultural introduction to Altavilla Silentina. In addition, there are eight signposted trails with a total length of 80 kilometres, suitable for hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking. This allows you to set different priorities when planning your trip: you can focus on the historic centre and its places of remembrance or plan longer outdoor activities. When choosing your accommodation, you can take this focus on culture or activity into account.

The right accommodation for your focus

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Altavilla Silentina, it is worth deciding on your own travel plan first. Those primarily wishing to discover traditions, architectural history and the Percorso della Memoria can opt for a culture-focused stay. Those also wishing to include hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking can consider the eight signposted trails an important factor in their travel decision.

Further destinations for planning your trip: Scala, Casalbuono, Matonti-vetrali, San Gregorio Magno, Maiori, Sassano, Castel San Giorgio and Rofrano.

To the higher-level travel overview: Salerno.