Discover Roccagloriosa

When looking for a hotel in Roccagloriosa, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay. Archaeological remains, religious buildings and a nature trail offer different ways to explore the town. This can help you decide which themes you would most like your trip to centre on.

Archaeological history and finds

The Lucanian settlement of Roccagloriosa was founded in the 5th century BC and abandoned in the 3rd century BC. These dates provide the timeframe for the town’s archaeological remains.

Tomb 6, the oldest tomb in the Roccagloriosa necropolis, is located in La Scala. It contains an exceptional assemblage of bronze objects made in the Etruscan-Campanian style. The “Sabato Balbi” Antiquarium displays finds from excavations at the site. Monumental tombs from the La Scala necropolis are also exhibited there, including Tombs 19 and 24. The finds and tombs thus represent different aspects of the archaeological heritage.

The “Antonella Fiammenghi” Civic Archaeological Museum preserves materials from the necropolises, settlement and sacred areas of Roccagloriosa. It is housed in the former church of Santa Maria dei Martiri.

Historic centre and religious buildings

Between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, a defensive circuit of limestone blocks was built around the historic centre; the necropolis lay outside this circuit. The townscape includes narrow lanes, steep stairways and vaulted passageways. These open onto viewpoints overlooking the Gulf of Policastro, Monte Bulgheria, and the valleys of the Mingardo and Bussento rivers. The ruins of Roccagloriosa Castle stand at the highest point of the town.

The Church of S. Giovanni Battista in the historic centre was founded in 1101 by Prince Ruggero. The Church of the Confraternita del Rosario preserves a cycle of frescoes from the late 16th century; the Church of San Mercurio houses a wooden crucifix from the first half of the 16th century. The Cappella del SS. Sacramento, also known as S. Angelo, preserves 17th-century frescoes. They depict the Nativity, the Sacrifice of Isaac, Saint Francis and Saint Catherine.

Nature trail and dates

The Capitenali-La Scala nature trail crosses Monte Bulgheria and reaches the Fistelia necropolis. It is described as a walking route and considered suitable for families with children, older people and people with disabilities. Alongside archaeology and history, a walk through the landscape is therefore another option to focus on.

Roccagloriosa’s weekly market takes place on Tuesdays. The feast day of the patron saint, San Giovanni Battista, is celebrated on 24 June. If the market or feast day is important to your travel plans, check the details again before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Calvanico, Montepertuso, Polla, Bracigliano, Felitto, Fisciano, Sapri, Serramezzana

For the broader travel overview: Salerno.