Castellabate
Castellabate is a small medieval hilltop village, a 10-minute drive from Casale il Saùco. Awarded amongst Italy’s most beautiful hamlets and a UNESCO world heritage site, its characteristic beauty will enchant you. Castellabate is a labyrinth of alleyways, stairways, terraces, arches and courtyards, typical of medieval settings with stunning views on the coast.
The Castle
Dominating Castellabate is the Castle set in the stunning 'Belvedere' scenery. The Castle was founded in 1123 by the Abbot Costabile with the purpose of protecting the local population from repetitive Saracen attacks. Still impressive and massive the fortress has strong perimetrical walls with four corner towers. Hidden inside a small world of rooms, coves, cellars and warehouses.
The Churches
The Church of Saint Mary is characterised by a 15th-century facade and a bell-tower split on four levels. On the inside, three elegant aisles present prestigious artwork including an anonymous 3rd-century painting representing Saint Michael’s victory on Satan. Further, a magnificent 15th-century altarpiece of Mother Mary on the throne holding baby Jesus accompanied by the evangelists' Peter and John. Directly opposite, the gracious Church of the Rosary, a small yet charming chapel, featuring a 17th century polychrome marble altarpiece.
The sacred art Museum
The sacred art museum houses the artefacts, testimony to the culture and beliefs of Castellabate. The artwork dates from the 16th to the 20th century. The various rooms feature portraits of ecclesiastic figures, religious artefacts, historic Christmas nativity models and sacred clothing. Saint Costabile’s original processional banner religious painting and sculptures from parts of the exhibits.