Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Even during the busier summer season, the sheer size of the park means that hikers are
unlikely to meet others on the trail to swap tales and muesli bars - so getting lost could
become a lonely, not to mention dangerous experience, if you haven't done some essential
planning before striding out. In theory, the tourist offices should be able to supply you
with a guide to the trails. In reality, they frequently seem to have run out of copies. Failing
this, you can buy the
Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano: Carta Turistica e dei
Sentieri (
Tourist and Footpath Map; €7) or the excellent
Monte Stella: Walks & Rambles
in Ancient Cilento
published by the Comunita' Montana Alento Monte Stella (€3). Most
of the
agriturismi
in the park can also organise guided treks.
A popular self-guided hike, where you are rewarded with spectacular views, is a climb
up Monte Alburno (1742m). There's a choice of two trails, both of which are clearly
marked from the centre of the small town of Sicignano degli Alburni and finish at the
mountain's peak. Allow approximately four hours for either route. The less experienced
may prefer to opt for a guide (see boxed text,
Click here
)
.
Roscigno Vecchia
Roscigno Vecchia is located in the heart of the national park 28km west of Teggiano. Sud-
den landslides in the early 20th century caused the population to flee, although most of the
original stone houses are still standing, demonstrating the sturdiness of the historic ver-
nacular architecture. These, as well as the church and the central piazza, are all ghostly re-
minders of a formerly thriving community.
The residents were eventually permanently moved to Roscigno Nuovo (now simply
known as Roscigno). There's something about visiting a ghost town that both fires the
imagination and is highly contemplative, especially as the history is almost always har-
rowing.
GHOST TOWN
