Discover Acquavena

Acquavena lies at the foot of Monte Bulgheria. The town has numerous springs; they probably gave it its name and continue to provide important resources for the local community. There are also historical landmarks dating from the first settlement to medieval buildings, as well as the CAI route towards Licusati. This gives you two distinct areas to focus on when planning your trip: local history and the hiking route.

The town’s history, from the first settlement to the castle

After the Gothic defeat by the Greek generals Narses and Belisarius in 533, many Bulgarian soldiers settled in the valleys. These settlements gave rise to Acquavena’s first inhabited core. The town developed around the old church of Santa Maria la Vena, which dates from the early years of the 11th century and is also called Potentissima. Acquavena is also home to a medieval castle, dating from the 11th or 12th century, on a low hill. The dates mark different stages: 533 for the establishment of the inhabited core, the early years of the 11th century for the church, and the 11th or 12th century for the castle.

The parish of Maria Santissima del Carmine is located on C.so Manin in 84040 Acquavena, SA. If you use this address to find your way, check it again before setting off.

The Traversata and finding your way around town

The CAI’s Traversata del Monte Bulgheria route runs from Acquavena to Licusati. Its course takes in Monte Bulgheria, the Rifugio Tozzo del Moio, Il Piano and the Santuario dell’Annunziata di Licusati. From Acquavena, the trail climbs uphill through woodland and over stone steps; views extend towards Monte Cervati and Gelbison, though actual visibility depends on conditions. Check trail conditions and access regulations before setting out.

A walk around town also offers a different perspective on Acquavena from the uphill route. It takes you close to Piazza della Potentissima. There, you’ll find panoramic views of the surrounding valley, benches and the Fontana del Borgo. If you plan to use the seating or visit the fountain, check the current situation before your visit.

The two options also differ in their geographical focus: the Traversata runs from Acquavena to Licusati and takes in several named points, while the walk around town leads close to Piazza della Potentissima. This lets you choose between a route ending in another town and a walk with a specific landmark in Acquavena.

A date in November

A description from 2020 lists the Feast of Saint Martin as an annual event on November 11. If November 11 falls on a Saturday, the feast is held on the following Saturday. Before planning your trip around the feast, check the exact dates.

Discover more destinations: Centola, Ravello, San Rufo, Vallo Della Lucania, Mercato San Severino, Baronissi, Laurino, Omignano.

For the wider travel overview: Salerno.