At Castello Vargas-Machucha in Vatolla, the building dates from the 16th century; its cobbled courtyard features a 17th-century mascaron used as a fountain. G. Battista Vico stayed at the castle. A library there houses historical and critical texts about the philosopher, as well as material on local history. The building’s history and its connection to Vico thus come together in the same place.

Historic Buildings and Their Periods

The historic centre of Perdifumo includes noble palaces with intricately worked stone portals. The Cenobio di Sant’Arcangelo is considered one of the oldest monastic settlements in Cilento. Other monasteries tell of different foundations and later uses: the Convento di Santa Maria della Pietà in Vatolla was founded in 1619, incorporating the older Cappella della Pietà. The Convento Santa Maria della Porziuncola was established in 1635 and preserves 18th-century paintings as well as carefully crafted statues of saints. A watermill in Vatolla was built on an existing medieval structure.

At the Convento di Santa Maria del Carmine in Mercato Cilento, by contrast, the focus is on fortification: in the first half of the 17th century, it was fortified against attacks by bandits. The Chiesa di San Sisto Papa also has a turbulent building history. It dates from the 16th century, was largely destroyed by a tornado in 1961 and rebuilt in 1962. Inside are 1960s frescoes, a 17th-century holy water stoup, an 18th-century altar and a 17th-century statue of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Two fragments of a Roman sarcophagus dating from the 4th century AD are set into the façade of the parish church of Madonna delle Grazie in Vatolla; the church itself dates from the 11th century. In Camella, an ancient public fountain bearing the coat of arms of the Altomare family stands at the entrance to the village. Its inscription, dating from 1536, is partly legible. Pottery made from local clay, including kitchenware, tableware and storage vessels, is documented in Perdifumo in the 12th century. The activity is also mentioned for the following century, although its level of development at the time remains uncertain.

Trails, Landscape and Getting There

Perdifumo is part of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park; its mountainous habitat extends to Monte Stella. The watercourse Iumara is known as the Testene River. A notable archaeological site lies in the surrounding area: about 1 km southwest of Perdifumo, on Punta della Carpinina, is a fortified site built from Greek stone blocks laid in isodomic courses and dating from the 4th century BC. It lies on the boundary between the territories of Poseidonia and Elea and belonged to the latter.

The 1.5 km-long Passeggiata Panoramica leads to four viewpoints: Piazza Europa, Piazza Regina Margherita, Santa Sofia and L’Affacciatura. At the end, L’Affacciatura offers views of the Gulf of Salerno and Castellabate. Check trail details locally before setting out. The Cammino dei monaci is a separate route: this trekking trail runs from the Carpinina area to the Antenne area, passing the ruins of the Sant’Arcangelo monastery. It is not secured; check conditions before setting off.

Local traditions may also factor into your travel plans. The Volo dell’Angelo in Camella takes place every year during the patron saint’s festival in honour of San Nazario. The Pellegrinaggio Confraternite takes place on Good Friday. If you would like to plan your trip around the patron saint’s festival, check the exact date in advance. The nearest railway station to Perdifumo is Agropoli, on the Salerno–Reggio Calabria line; check current train services when planning your journey.

Discover more destinations: San Mango Piemonte, Castiglione Del Genovesi, Villammare, Contursi, Buonabitacolo, Paestum, Ogliastro Marina, Sanza.

For the broader travel overview: Salerno.