Moio Della Civitella-Pellare: History, Trails and Festivals

Moio Della Civitella-Pellare combines impressive traces of the past with trails through chestnut groves, churches and lively festivals. Civitella in particular conveys the character of the area: archaeological excavations have uncovered terrace walls, ceramic fragments, an arched gateway and various foundations dating from the 4th century BC. At the same time, Moio della Civitella is one of the municipalities within the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is therefore worth considering in advance whether your trip will focus primarily on history, nature, trails or a specific event date.

Archaeology at Civitella

The archaeological site of Civitella suggests the presence of a fortified centre. Its function was probably to control the valleys leading to the sea at Velia. A particularly illustrative detail is the settlement gate: it features a long, narrow defensive corridor, a rectangular room and the sockets for a wooden door cut into the stone. Anyone interested in historic buildings and their visible traces will find specific details here rather than a ruin described only in general terms.

The Cappella dell’Annunziata is also located on Civitella. It was built in the 14th or 15th century and altered several times over the course of time. The “Frassati” Trail provides pedestrian access to the Parco Archeologico della Civitella, passes through a chestnut grove and reaches the Porta Sud.

Local culture in the museum and churches

The Museo della Civiltà Contadina is housed in the Palazzo Torrusio, an aristocratic residence dating from the second half of the 18th century. On display are everyday objects from local rural activities and local rural culture, dating from the late 17th to the early 20th century. The sections focus, among other things, on history, domestic life, olive growing, grain cultivation, winemaking, the textile industry and religion. Tour times may vary; appointments are arranged by agreement through the municipal offices.

The churches also offer different insights into the history of the area. The Parrocchia Santa Veneranda V.M. dates from the 15th century and has a Gothic choir, three naves, two chapels dedicated to the Madonna di Lourdes and the Madonna del Crocefisso, as well as a bell tower built after 1550. Admission to the Chiesa di San Bartolomeo is free. Anyone wishing to combine sacred architecture with local history can include these places as individual cultural highlights during their stay.

Trails, views and special dates

The P15.01 – Moio della Civitella passante per Chiesa dell’Annunziata route is designated for cyclists and pedestrians. It begins at the “Retara” locality in the municipal area of Moio della Civitella. The summit of Civitella offers another landscape perspective: it is surrounded by a lush chestnut grove and provides a view across the valley below to the Tyrrhenian coast. Depending on your personal interests, you can therefore focus your stay more strongly on historic sites, the designated route or the landscape.

The annual calendar also includes two clearly named traditions and events. During the “Benedizione delle Croci”, small wooden crosses are blessed every year on 25 March, the Feast of the Annunciation, on the hilltop of Civitella. They are made from two chestnut branches joined together. Mojoca is a street art festival held annually at the beginning of August in Moio della Civitella. Artists, jugglers and street musicians perform in the characteristic streets of the main town. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these dates, this focus should already be taken into account when searching for suitable accommodation.

More places for planning your trip

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Moio Della Civitella-Pellare: Scario, Auletta, Ostigliano, Sessa Cilento, Pellezzano, Castel San Giorgio, Stella Cilento and Giffoni Valle Piana.

To the overarching travel overview: Salerno.