Nestled in the green heart of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park , Montano Antilia is a village that preserves the charm of southern Italy’s rural communities, suspended between history, nature, and tradition. Situated at approximately 700 meters above sea level , the town enjoys a privileged view that extends from the valleys of the Lambro and Mingardo rivers to, on clear days, the glimmer of the sea lapping the coasts of Palinuro and the Gulf of Policastro.
The village’s very name is rooted in history: Montano derives from its elevated position, while Antilia has its origins in the Ancient Greek Ante Elios , meaning “facing the sun.” A poetic definition that perfectly describes its exposure and the intense light that envelops it for much of the year.
A village between legends and history
The origins of Montano Antilia are shrouded in legends intertwined with historical documents. According to some traditions, the area was inhabited as early as the Byzantine era, while more reliable evidence dates back to the Middle Ages, when small settlements began to develop around places of worship and cultivated land.
The village, due to its strategic location between the mountains and the inland roads of Cilento, was a point of passage, trade, and resistance over time. In the 19th century, it also played a role in the insurrections of 1828, thanks to the Bianchi family, still remembered today as a symbol of courage and freedom.
Walking in the historic center
The heart of Montano Antilia is a maze of narrow stone-paved streets, arches, and stairways that wind between ancient houses with carved doorways. Strolling here is a journey through time: every corner reveals picturesque views, flower-filled balconies, and small open spaces offering panoramic views.
Among the stops not to be missed:
- Church of the Santissima Annunziata
Built in 1466, it is the village’s main religious building. Inside are the remains of San Montano and precious Renaissance frescoes. The eighteenth-century stuccoes and modern pictorial decorations, such as those by Stefano Trapanese (2013), create a fascinating dialogue between different eras. - Holy Stairs
: This is a unique chapel, modeled after the Holy Stairs in Rome. Climbing it is an act of devotion and meditation, and knowing that only two others exist in the world makes the experience even more special. - Palazzo Bianchi:
A historic residence linked to the protagonists of the 1828 uprisings, Pietro and Alessandrina Bianchi. A 1964 plaque commemorates their deeds and sacrifice. - Clock Tower
Dating back to the 18th century, it marked the time of the community and still represents a visual landmark today. - Rural chapels and small churches
In the surrounding areas you will find small churches such as that of the Madonna di Loreto, of Sant’Anna, of Sant’Antonio, of San Sebastiano and the ruins of the medieval church of Santa Cecilia (1022), surrounded by an almost mystical atmosphere. - Poor Toy Museum.
A collection of toys made from simple materials, a testament to popular ingenuity and peasant culture. A place that will make children smile and move adults.
Nature and excursions: Mount Antilia and beyond
Behind the village rises Mount Antilia (1,316 m). It’s the perfect destination for those who love trekking and mountain hiking. The trails wind through chestnut, oak, and beech forests, offering a spectacle of warm colors in autumn and a riot of greenery and scents in spring.
One of the most spectacular itineraries is the Itinerario delle Cime ( Cinema Route), which takes in panoramic points such as Tempa del Ciglio (1339 m), Campanaro Giungoli (1448 m), and La Rotonda (1486 m). From up here, the view opens up 360 degrees: to the west, the Tyrrhenian Sea, to the east, the mountains of the Vallo di Diano, and to the south, the mountain ranges that fade toward Basilicata.
For those seeking less demanding routes, there are walks through centuries-old chestnut groves and meadows dotted with aromatic herbs. Two natural highlights of great charm are:
- Mulinello Cave , a natural cavity with evocative plays of light.
- Malandrino Spring , fresh, pure water that flows in a peaceful corner.
Traditions and community life
Montano Antilia is a town that lives its traditions intensely, preserving and renewing them year after year. Summer is a particularly rich time of year with events:
- Sagra della Pariglia : dedicated to the local signature dish, a tasty mix of peppers, onion, lard, pork, game, peas, and rice.
- “Fiuriddi e Ruspiteddi” Festival : the star of the show is the courgette flower and zeppole with anchovies, simple yet irresistible dishes.
- Feast of San Rocco : processions, music, and community moments.
The local Pro Loco has also launched the “Fragments of Memory” project , a widespread itinerary with panels and QR codes that tell the stories, characters and curiosities of the village, making the visit even more interactive.
Flavors of the Cilento mountains
Montano Antilia’s cuisine is a celebration of peasant simplicity:
- Pariglia : a unique dish, nutritious and full of strong flavours.
- Local products such as chestnuts, walnuts, olives, cereals and grapes, grown in the surrounding land.
- Artisanally produced cured meats and cheeses, perfect paired with wood-fired bread.
In the area’s restaurants and farmhouses, you can also taste typical Cilento dishes such as handmade fusilli, lagane and chickpeas, and rustic desserts made with honey and almonds.
The hamlets: Massicelle and Abatemarco
Montano Antilia comprises two hamlets, each with a unique character.
- Massicelle
An ancient Byzantine village, it developed along the “Salt Road”. The church of Santa Maria Lauretana (1478) is located here and every year it hosts the International Festival of Traditional Games and Toys , an event that attracts enthusiasts and families. - Abatemarco
, built around the Byzantine church of San Nicola di Mira, rebuilt in the 18th century, also houses the chapel of San Rocco. It’s a place that reflects the more intimate and rural side of the area.
Stage of the Way of St. Nilus
Montano Antilia represents one of the central stages of the Way of Saint Nilus , a route that faithfully retraces the paths traced by Italo-Greek monks in the 7th century. It is ideally located on stage 6 , which starts from Rofrano and leads directly to the village, after approximately 11.9 km of walking through woods, springs, and mountain views. After this village, the route continues towards San Nazario , a hamlet of San Mauro la Bruca .
Why visit Montano Antilia
This village isn’t just a tourist destination, but a complete travel experience. It offers:
- An authentic, no-frills historic center where you can breathe in community life.
- Landscapes that alternate between woods, valleys and sea views.
- Authentic culinary traditions and typically Southern conviviality.
- Events that allow you to experience local culture firsthand.
Whether you love trekking, history, or good food, Montano Antilia will welcome you with the warmth of a place that has managed to preserve its identity.
