Discover Campania

Guide to vacation in Campania.

Tourism in Campania has old traditions. Already a place of leisure in Roman times, Campania acquired an elite clientele, visitors from many countries, attracted by places like Capri, Ischia, Sorrento, Amalfi, Paestum and Pompei.

However there are hosts of beautiful sights even in the inland areas: S. Maria Capua Vetere near Caserta, with Roman remains, especially the large amphitheatre (1st century AD.), only slightly smaller than the Colosseum in Rome, and the Mithreum, the temple dedicated to the god Mithras, raffigured in a well-conserved fresco (2nd century AD.). A little beyond lies Capua, with a wealth of ancient buildings and churches, particularly the Duomo, of medieval origin; not far away stands the basilica of S. Angelo in Formis (11th century, with fine medieval frescoes), well worth a visit. In the direction of the Matese mountains lie Faicchio, huddled round its 14th century castle, and Piedimonte Matese, in whose interesting old quarters stand the Palazzo Ducale and the church of S. Tommaso. S. Gregorio Matese is equipped for winter sports. Farther west lies Alife, in the wild beautiful Volturno valley with particularly interesting Roman remains.

Towards the Gulf of Gaeta stands the small town of Sessa Aurunca, with a fine Romanesque Duomo with splendid mosaic floors and a 13th century parchment.

In the province of Avellino, the visitor will come to the ski resort of Piano Laceno, while farther on, close now to Avellino, lies Solofra, with a 15th century Palazzo Ducale and the Baroque church of S. Michele.

In the Diano vale between the Cilento uplands and the Monti della Maddalena, on the Lucanian boundary lies the Certosa di S. Lorenzo (or Padula), a majestic group of buildings of 13th century origin, but prevalently Baroque.

Heading towards the Gulf of Policastro, one reaches the Sapri and Cilento beach resorts: Marina di Camerota, Palinuro, Marina di Ascea (nearby lie the ruins of Velia), Acciaroli, S. Maria di Castellabate and Agropoli.