Agropoli
Agropoli is a coastal town, a 15-minute drive from Casale il Saùco. The name's origin dates back to the Byzantine period when the population built a fortress that took the name of 'Acropolis', meaning 'high city'. On the beautiful promontory where the historical centre develops, in the middle of the seventh century. B.C. the fortress used to have a temple dedicated to Artemis, goddess of hunting. Considered the gateway of the Cilento, the city used to be renowned for maritime trade in the greek period.
Agropoli Vecchia
The essence of Agropoli and the etymology of the name are enclosed in the historic part of the town. Characteristic stone steps lead to the three arch Byzantine entrance of the old town, where there are beautiful views of Capri and Punta Campanella. Just after the 17th century crenellated portal, one reaches the Church of Saint Mary of Costantinopoli, protector of fishermen. The Church holds a very old statue of the Virgin Mary, saved by fishermen who, after recovering it from the sea, placed it on the altar of the Church.
The Castle
Agropoli’s most meaningful symbol is the angevian - aragonese Castle at the top of the fortress, reached through the narrow alleyways of the old town and the beautiful stone bridge. Through the centuries and different dominations, it has been of inspiration to the great poets who visited it. The castle is described by the poet Giuseppe Ungaretti in the literary collection “Il Mezzogiorno” and is the setting of Marguerite Yourcenar's literary work “Anna, soror”.