Discover Santa Marina

Santa Marina combines historic townscapes with a striking landscape. The inhabited center lies on the slopes of Monte Tempone, overlooking the Bussento Valley and the Gulf of Policastro. Narrow streets, lanes and squares shape the historic center. There are also churches and medieval traces, as well as places along the Bussento that offer a different view of the surrounding area.

Historic traces in Santa Marina

The oldest part of the Concattedrale Santa Maria Assunta is a crypt built over Roman remains in the 6th century. The Convento di San Francesco is characterized by Gothic architecture; access is also ensured for people with disabilities. The stucco in the Chiesa di Santa Marina Martire, dating from the late 18th century, points to a later phase of decoration. The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Croce stands on an open hillside and offers a view of the sea.

The traces of fortifications also tell of different eras: the Cinta muraria trecentesca was built on the remains of an earlier Byzantine fortification. When considering the castle, it is worth bearing in mind the uncertainty surrounding its dating: the Castello di Policastro Bussentino has medieval origins; its original construction is thought to date to the 10th or 11th century. The castle offers a view over the Gulf of Policastro.

Castle and art in Policastro Bussentino

The Torre di guardia dell’Oliva watchtower, also known as the Torre dell’Auliva, rises among the ruins of the ancient castle. The Museo Diocesano di Policastro Bussentino focuses on the history of the ancient diocese: its collection spans nineteen centuries through works of art, beginning with the Roman era. Art-historically valuable works include a Flemish ivory crucifix, paintings, liturgical vestments and liturgical silver objects.

One particularly notable object is a 15th-century ciborium made of Carrara marble. Together, the collection and this work offer a concrete insight into the town’s religious art history, without limiting the view to a single era.

Landscape and activities along the Bussento

Santa Marina is one of the municipalities within the Zona di Protezione Speciale Costa tra Marina di Camerota e Policastro Bussentino. The protected area covers 3,276 hectares of land. Maritime pines and Aleppo pines grow in the Pineta di Santa Lucia. At the Foce del fiume Bussento, the river mouth is a natural habitat and a place of tourist interest.

At the river mouth, excursions, horseback rides and activities such as kayaking are possible. The Ponte del Bussento offers another perspective on the river: a staircase leads from there to a riverside path where no-kill fishing is possible.

Festivals, local cuisine and boat trips

The Festa di Santa Marina is celebrated every year on June 18. A solemn Mass is followed by a procession through the town. Another regular event on the calendar is the Sagra della Ruscedda: it takes place every year on August 12 in the main square of Lupinata, a hamlet of Santa Marina. Stalls serve bruschette with local oil and oregano, Ruscedda cheese and local wine. If you are planning your trip around one of the celebrations, check the dates in advance.

From the port of Policastro Bussentino, Nautica Bifano offers personalized boat trips to the Area Marina Protetta di Punta Infreschi marine protected area and along the Cilento coast. Check availability before booking.

Getting to Policastro Bussentino

Policastro Bussentino is on the SS 18 and has rail and road connections.

Discover more destinations: Futani, Rosaine, Colliano, Marina Di Ascea, Vietri Sul Mare, Morigerati, Casalsottano, Casalbuono

For the main travel overview: Salerno.