 Introduction
Located in a lovely place between the mountains and the sea, Albanella sits within a resplendent valley of various green hues. Its landscape is covered in olive groves, for which it is famous for, as well as vineyards, and oak forests. The town center is surrounded by a number of little hamlets.
An olive oil festival is celebrated each December in Albanella. Visitors delight in the fresh local product, and find plenty of time to explore the natural habitat that surrounds the town. The Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano is nearby, and full of interesting vegetation and wildlife.
 Arrival
Plane
The closest airport is in Naples, the Aeroporto Internazionale di Napoli. It lies 113 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 the nearest station, Battipaglia.
Train
Trains run very frequently from Naples to Battipaglia. The journey takes roughly one hour, and the station is located about forty minutes from Albanella by taxi.
Car
The journey from Naples to Albanella by car takes about an hour and forty minutes. Follow Motorway A3 until the Battipaglia exit. Then follow SS18 toward Sapri, to Ponte Barizzo. From there take SS11 to Albanella.
 History and Culture
In the eleventh century, the people living in Paestum settled in Albanella, escaping the invading Saracen pirates who ceaselessly attacked the coastline, as well as the malaria fever which struck the region. The first inhabitants named the town after Greece, Ella which is a variation of Hellas, and combined it with the word for white and tall, Ella. Evidence of an early Greek community was discovered in the form of fifth century B.C. tombs with fine frescoes.
In nearby San Nicola, sanctuary ruins, with small statues were discovered. Scholars have attributed this archaeological find to the existence of an ancient cult belonging to the worship of the goddesses Demetra and Kore. The mother and daughter duo are associated with fertility. Ruins of a third century B.C. farm were discovered several years ago, also signifying an ancient settlement in the area, as was a coin from the Roman period.
A variety of important families ruled Albanella during feudal times, including the Ruggio, Sanseverino, and Fasanella families.
 Churches and Museums
Church of Santa Sofia
Constructed on a longitudinal plan, this three naved church was erected in 1500. An incredibly old pipe organ which still works can be found inside. Also see the statue of Santa Sofia, whose feast day is celebrated on May 15.
Church of San Matteo
This rectangular shaped church was constructed in the 1400s, and includes two naves, a Romantic style bell tower, and inside there is an organ.
Carmine Church
A lovely painting of Our Lady and the Holy Child, joined by two kneeling people wearing hoods adorns the facade of this church.
 Historical buildings and monuments
Giovani Albini Palace
This remarkable palazzo dating from 1800 features an extraordinary patio.
 Places of Interest
Paestum
This ancient town is nearby, and worth visiting during your stay in Albanella. The Greek city was in the 7th century B.C. founded, and today is preserved by the National Archaeological Museum. Several exceptional examples of Greek architecture and monuments are found here.
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
Feast of Saint Sofia - May 15
Every year the people of Albanella celebrate their patron saint's feast day with a procession through town.
Olive Oil Festival - December
Each year the new olive oil harvest is celebrated with a great festival.
 Links
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