Montano Antilia is a small agricultural centre nestled in the lower Cilento, at the foot of Mount Gelbison, between the Mingardo and Lambro valleys.

The town developed on a slope until reaching the wooded slopes of Mount Antilia. Its two hamlets, Abatemarco and Massicella, are located further downstream. It enjoys a favourable position because it is kissed by the sun at all hours of the day.  
Montano and its hamlets were built on the ruins of a Greek-Byzantine settlement, the territory was inhabited by refugees from other neighbouring towns, who fled to escape the barbarian invasions. Originally the homes were poor and simple, defined as "pagliare", that is, houses made of wood and mud, ready to be abandoned at the slightest danger.
In the early Middle Ages the urban centre extended around the Church of San Nicola di Mira. 

If these places fascinate you, you can meet Montano Antilia with one of our tours:

⇒Trekking in Cilento: Cammino di San Nilo

What to see in Montano Antilia

We have prepared a list of things to see in Montano Antilia in order to admire the beauty of this charming little village in peace. Why not decide to spend a carefree day to discover the beauties of this fascinating centre in lower Cilento?

  • The Parish of the Santissima Annunziata
  • The Holy Staircase
  • The Poor Kid's Toy Museum

And now let's set off together to discover the most identifying places of Montano Antilia!

Parish of the Santissima Annunziata

The Church stands right at the entrance to the historic centre, which dominates it with its dome. Its frescoes date back to the end of the 1600s, perhaps by Francesco Pagano. On the door of the atrium you can admire three paintings, today unfortunately completely ruined. In the room of the old convent, now used as a sacristy, the Nativity was frescoed. The Annunciation and various Saints were displayed in the dome with the dove of the Holy Spirit in the centre. The remains of San Montano are preserved in a silver reliquary.

The Holy Staircase

According to some scholars, some writings should have been created around 600, unfortunately these writings are no longer visible today because part of the architectural structure has been replaced. The staircase leads to a small chapel, built on the model of the one in Rome. It is one of three in the world, the other is in Zara, in the former Yugoslavia. It was built by a marquis, Antonio Cammarano to fulfil a vow, after the Papal State granted him authorization for the works. Those who visit the Scala on the Friday of Lent are granted the same indulgences dispensed to those who visit the Scala Santa in Rome.

The Poor Kid's Toy Museum

This museum was born from the idea of ​​three teachers, who guided their students in researching the games of the past. The children, helped by their grandparents, searched for and found games that were played in the past, and in some cases, reconstructed them.
The Museum hosts a large number of games, pastimes and musical instruments that represent an inseparable bond between different generations. With the creation of the museum, a historical memory of a not so distant past was recovered.

What to do in Montano Antilia - the Slow Active Tours proposal

Once you have discovered the wonders hidden in the streets of Montano Antilia, the time has come to get to the heart of the sounds and smells of this ancient village. Due to its position between the hills and valleys of Lambro and Mingardo it represents the ideal base for various activities. For this reason we have prepared a list of things to do in Montano Antilia that you absolutely cannot miss!

  • Old Town

    The numerous monuments, the suggestive squares and streets, its suggestive alleys that wind between one house and another, testify to a rich history, like the urban layout typical of late medieval towns. The historic center has preserved the charm of the time in the walls of the noble palaces. Wandering through the alleys you are fascinated by the beautiful fountains, such as the "Old Fountain" in a particularly evocative place which comes alive in summer, becoming an outdoor bar.
    A small world where history blends with the tranquility of uncontaminated and wild nature, and life flows unchanged, far from the frenetic pace of modernity.

  • Visit the hamlets of Montano Antilia: Mascella and Abatemarco

    The two fascinating hamlets of the small village are located a few kilometers away from the town. They contain fascinating architectural testimonies that allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture of this area.
    The valuable Madonna della Neve Chapel is an example of this. It is located near the summit of Mount Cervino and every year, on August 5, the population takes part in the ancient ritual which involves the blessing of the grapes. The small church, with delicate and sober lines, preserves inside a small polychrome altar and a precious linen canvas by Giuseppe Oristanio.
    The hamlet of Abatemarco, although it dates back to a settlement formed in the Early Middle Ages, has oriental characteristics that shroud it in mystery. The Church of San Nicola di Mira, around which today's Abatemarco developed, is the oldest monument. With Byzantine features, despite the 18th century reconstruction, it has inside a valuable stone sculpture of a Madonna and Child.

  • Cammino di San Nilo

    Montano Antilia is located on the route of the Cammino di San Nilo, in the heart of Cilento. An exciting itinerary rich in history, traditions and spirituality which with its unmistakable flavors will accompany you in discovering the footsteps of San Nilo da Rossano.

Popular festivals and celebrations of Montano Antilia

Various moments dedicated to folklore are well rooted in this idyllic village. In Abatemarco, a hamlet of the municipality of Montano Antilia, in early August, following the traditions of ancient flavours, the " Aubergine Festival " takes place in Padre Rocco Serra square. The gastronomic event organised by the "Associazione Mamme Insieme" aims to help people rediscover the flavours and aromas of the past with a menu based exclusively on aubergines.
The Sagra della Pariglia, which takes place from 17 to 18 August, is undoubtedly among the most evocative events of the summer. On the occasion of the festival, all participants will be offered the tasty pariglia, the typical dish of the town. The delicious dish is prepared according to ancient recipes of the Cilento tradition. At the beginning of November the Chestnut Festival is organised, a traditional event in which local preparations based on chestnuts are savoured. At the stands you can taste chestnut ravioli, bread with chestnut flour and obviously the roasted chestnuts which inebriate the streets of the village with their scent.

Typical dishes of Montano Antilia

The typical dishes of Montano Antilia are dedicated to gourmets and lovers of strong and decisive flavours.
Pariglia is a tasty and nutritious single dish. Game, pork and peas are then added to the rice, cooked separately.
Neapolitan Capretto is a dish that will exalt the taste buds thanks to the use of genuine ingredients, such as garlic, oregano, cherry tomatoes.
Hake in rosemary and sage sauce is a quick recipe, only 4 minutes of cooking, but excellent in taste and delicacy.
Tracchiulelle alla Ischitana, pork ribs cooked in sauce, are an excellent balanced dish rich in calories, ideal for those who are not on a diet.
For lovers of sweets, the traditional "babà" cannot be missed, a dessert soaked in rum, excellent to end a lunch with traditional colours.

Eating and Drinking in Montano Antilia

Here are some proposals from the area:
La Baita Cuccaro Vetere in Nazionale street, 1. Family atmosphere and kind owners, excellent cuisine with exaltation of traditional products.
Fattoria del Gelso Bianco restaurant in Mascelle street, 29. Very welcoming location, excellent cuisine.    
Ai Monaci Agriturismo in Bovio street, 9. Family hospitality, genuine cuisine with attention to every detail, in particular to typical local products. 

 So what are you waiting for? Get your stuff ready and off you go!