Scorzo: Nares Lucanae, Old Routes and Church Art

Scorzo brings together a variety of themes: the mountain pass known as Nares Lucanae, old roads, religious art and a hiking route that descends to Scorzo. These themes offer different starting points for planning your vacation: you can focus on local history and art, or make a hike the highlight of your trip.

Nares Lucanae and old roads

Nares Lucanae is considered a pass near Scorzo, between the Monti Alburni and Serra Sant’Angelo. Archaeological studies identify Nares Lucanae, between the districts of Scorzo and Zuppino, as a stop along the ancient Via Popilia. The Nares also have historical significance as a rest stop: travelers could find places to eat and stay there, such as taverns and inns. Cicero and Garibaldi are said to have stopped there. The history of the Nares thus combines their role as a pass and a stopping place with stories about travelers.

The route near Scorzo, about 12 kilometers long, remained in use in the Middle Ages under the name Via Regia. The Bourbon road was later built along the historic corridor. The Statale 19 delle Calabrie runs through Scorzo and follows the course of the Roman road for long stretches. The different roads offer a glimpse into several periods in the history of travel around the town.

Hiking and nature nearby

A hiking route leads from the Campo d’Amore area over the Valico della Strettina and down to Scorzo. This old route was used by local woodcutters to reach the Alburni plateau. Later sections pass through dense chestnut groves before the route reaches Scorzo. The hike therefore combines a clear destination, the route’s former use and a striking landscape feature. If you plan this hike, check the trail conditions locally before setting out.

Near Scorzo, the road from Corticelle in the Località Difesa leads to the Foce Sele-Tanagro Nature Reserve. The area includes numerous Sites of Conservation Interest and Special Protection Areas, and helps safeguard biodiversity. Alongside Scorzo’s historic roads and artworks, nature conservation is another distinct aspect of a visit.

Churches, art and local history

The Chiesa di San Matteo e Santa Margherita can be entered through the main entrance on Via Nazionale in Scorzo; admission is free. The church houses a statue of Sant’Antonio da Padova. It also contains an oil painting on canvas depicting Santa Maria degli Angeli and an organ made in Cava de’ Tirreni in 1834. The statue, painting and organ offer different examples of religious art and the history of craftsmanship.

In Contrada Casale, the Torre Campanaria di San Martino features two fragments of an Augustan inscription depicting two women. There is no admission charge to visit the tower. A borgo is preserved in Contrada Arestusa in Scorzo.

The Cappella di San Vito Martire dates back to 1689 and was restored and blessed in 1902. In 1908, the feast day in honor of San Vito in Scorzo was set for June 15. These dates provide a historical context for the chapel and local religious tradition.

Find a holiday apartment to suit your travel interests

If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Scorzo, thinking about what matters most to you can help you decide: would you rather focus your trip on local history and religious art, or on the hiking route?

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ostigliano, Santa Maria Di Castellabate, Nocera Superiore, Albanella, Raito, Vietri Sul Mare, Laurino, Erchie.

For the regional travel overview: Salerno.