 Introduction
The town's proximity to the Cilento National Park guarantee a clean, natural environment, and makes a perfect destination for those who want to explore the wonderful natural offerings of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Important historical destinations are also nearby, including the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Paestum. The Temple of Hera lies among the ruins, and is considered to be the most beautiful, and well preserved Doric temple that exists today. Continue your exploration by embarking on the famous trail known as the “Path of the Gods,” which stretches along the glorious Amalfi Coast, from Praiano to Positano. The views are magnificent.
Arrival Plane
The closest airport is in Naples, the Aeroporto Internazionale di Napoli. It lies 117 kilometers to the north, and accommodates flights from several Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, Turin, and Venice, as well as flights from around Europe. Easyjet runs direct flights out of London, Paris, and Berlin; and major airlines like Lufthansa offers flights from Munich. Frequent shuttle bus service connects the airport to the train station, where you can catch a train to Agropoli.
Train
Trains run every hour from Naples to Agropoli. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, and the station is located roughly one kilometer from the center of town.
Car
The journey from Naples to Agropoli by car traverses a beautiful route along the Mediterranean Coast. Take Motorway A3 to the Salerno Est/Fratte exit. Then follow SP175a to Paestum where you pick up SS18 to SP430. Agropoli lies at the end of Via San Marco. The journey takes just under two hours.
Boat
Ferry service is offered from both Naples and Salerno. From the latter, the lovely journey lasts roughly 50 minutes.
Bus
A frequent bus service connects Agropoli with Salerno.
History and Culture
Churches and Museums
Legend has it that pirates stole an image of the Virgin, from Constantinople, which was later found in the sea by local Agropoli fishermen. Since then, a seafaring cult has risen up around the Madonna of Constantinopoli. The chapel was reconstructed in 1875, and restored in 1960. Added to the church in 2004, was a bronze door.
Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
Located near the town castle, this church was constructed around the sixth century. Endowed with a trussed ceiling, and a floor that slopes to the door, from the altar, the church was renovated in the 1970s, and in 1999 as well. In 1896, on Christmas Day, Enrico Caruso, the great tenor, sang here.
Chapel of Santa Maria della Pieta
Known also as the Church of the Addolorata, which translates to Our Lady of Sorrows, this church dates from the 1500s, and is located in the north west section of the old town.
Convent of Saint Francis
Saint Francis arrived in Agropoli in 1222, and this church was built soon after, in 1230. The saint stood on a rock which stood across from the convent, and from here he preached to the fish, and other sea life of the waters off Agropoli.
Church of Santa Maria della Grazie
When the town grew outside of its walled fortification, this church was constructed. Documents from 1698 refer to the church as the “chapel outside of town.” In 1954 it became a parish church, and was restored. In 1988, the church was once again renovated.
Historical buildings and monuments
This ancient staircase provides entrance to the old town, which is only accessible by foot. Corso Garibaldi and Via Filippo Patella both lead to the Scaloni, which for many hundreds of years provided the only point of access. Panoramic views can be seen from the steps, so don't forget to turn around and look out at the sea on your way up.
The Town Gate
Constructed of local stone, the town gate is an important part of Agropoli's fortification, which protected it from invaders in the Middle Ages. The Delli Monti Sanfelice coat of arms is situated over it, commemorating the last family who ruled the town during the feudal times.
The Castle
With three circular towers, and a triangular layout, the castle rises from Agropoli's promontory. A moat surrounds the walls of the castle, and its base continues to the lower hill which was easier for invaders to scale. An open air theater is now housed on the former drill ground. During Napoleonic times, French soldiers arrived at the castle, and there is now a section called the "Hall of the French."
Places of Interest
Agropoli's old town is surrounded by a fortification that includes a wall and castle. Several historic palazzos can be found inside, such as Palazzo Mainenti, on Piazza della Chiesa dei SS. Pietro e Paolo.
The Sea
Several dive centers, and guides can be found in Agropoli to help with your marine excursions. Extending for three kilometers, the coast includes interesting sites such as St. Franci's rock, the Trentova rock, many beautiful inlets, and a wonderful beach at Vallone.
The Trezeni Path
Taking approximately three hours, this pleasant walk covers ten kilometers. Starting at the bay at Trentova, it continues to Punta Tresino, Vallone, San Giovanni, and the region around the Santa Maria di Castellabate Lake, where a gorgeous pine grove, and beach reward you.
Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano
Stretching from the Tyrrheanian coast to the Apennines, including the Alburni Mountains, this is an extraordinary natural park rich in ecological discoveries. It's hiking and biking trails are steeped in myth, traversing ancient paths of pilgrims and settlers.
Events
In February, the streets of Agropoli come alive with parades, parties, and merriment as the town celebrates Carnival.
Torneo Internazionale citta di Agropoli - March
This important football tournament for teenagers sees international teams converge on Agropoli. They compete for the winner's cup.
Festival of Saint Peter and Saint Paul - June 29
To commemorate the feast day of these two saints, Agropoli hosts a grand festival which attracts an international set of visitors. A procession starts at the church, and continues through the streets of the old town. Concerts of classical music and fire works are also part of the event.
The Incursion of the Turks - June 29
In 1630 Agropoli was attacked by the Turks on the feast day of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The invaders broke into the castle and were rampaging the town when neighboring villages came to help. The Cilento people were able to chase the 700 or so Turks back to the sea. Each year a re-enactment of the event commemorates the Cilento people's heroics.
Feast of Our Lady of Constantinople - July 24
A statue of the Madonna is processed through the town on this important Agropoli feast day. The parade continues to the port where fishermen await the arrival of their protector, in their boats. A midnight fireworks display culminates the event.
The Miss Agropoli Contest - August
Beautiful girls from around Campania gather in Agropoli each August to partake in this annual contest.
Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi - October 4
The people of Agropolis hold a special place in their hearts for Saint Francis of Assisi who arrived in the town in 1222, and stood on a rock, where he preached to the sea life. Every year his statue is processed through the town.
The Living Crib - December - January 6
The events of Christ's birth are acted out by a live cast during this unique celebration. The festivities come to an end on January 6, when the Three Wise Men arrive to present their gifts to the baby Jesus.
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