Centola

Campania, Italy

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Centola is a charming town located in the province of Salerno in Campania, Italy, nestled in the Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni National Park.

It sits approximately 336 meters above sea level, between the Lombro and Mingardo rivers, on the slopes of Mount Rondinella. The area around Centola has been inhabited since the Iron Age, with archaeological remains like necropolises dating back to the 6th century BC and the ancient city of Molpa.

The medieval village of San Severino di Centola, named after the Norman Sanseverino family, was once the heart of the area but was eventually abandoned in the 19th and 20th centuries due to health and economic reasons and was replaced by modern settlements in the valley. Centola's historic center is built on a small hill and retains its traditional architecture with stone houses and narrow streets.

The town is known for its local gastronomy, including cheeses like caciocavallo and mozzarella wrapped in myrtle leaves, artisanal cured meats, and specialties such as Menaica anchovies, a Slow Food Presidium. Nearby, the seaside hamlet of Palinuro is famous for its beautiful beaches, dramatic sea caves like the Blue Grotto, and natural arches, offering rich outdoor and cultural experiences.