 Introduction
Situated on the edge of the Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano, Ascea is made up of the town in the hills, as well as a marina on the sea. Its sandy beaches and lovely Mediterranean shores attract sun seeking visitors every season. In fact, the five kilometer beach is known for its exceptionally soft sand. There are also two nearby beaches which one can only visit via boat, the Argento Beach, and the Rondinella Beach.
Those looking for a little culture to mix in with their sunbathing will be delighted as well. Theatre performances occur at the Parmenide theater, as well as the archaeological site. If you stay in the part of town on the hill you'll be dazzled by the views below which give way to the ruins of an ancient town called Velia. Elea is another ancient town inhabited by the Greeks which now lies in ruins near Ascea.
 Arrival
Plane
The closest airport is in Naples, the Aeroporto Internazionale di Napoli. It lies 135 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 offer flights from Munich. Frequent shuttle bus service connects the airport to the train station, where you can catch a train to Ascea.
Train
Trains run very frequently from Naples to Battipaglia. The journey takes roughly one hour.
Car
The journey from Naples to Ascea by car takes about two hours and fifteen minutes. Follow Motorway A3 until the Battipaglia exit. Then follow SS18 toward Paestum and exit at Vallo Scalo.
Boat
Hydrofoils from Naples arrive at the nearby Port of Acciaroli.
 History and Culture
In 540 BC the Greeks, who were fleeing from the Persians, founded the ancient colony of Elea. A philosophy group pre-dating Socrates was established in the town early in the fifth century. Parmenide, aided by his students Zenone and Melisso di Samo founded the institution and set up the Eleatic Philosophy School. The region attracted many famous philosophers including Senofane di Colofone, who focused on the study of God.
 Churches and Museums
Church of San Nicola
One of Ascea's oldest religious structures, the Church of San Nicola was first restored in 1884, then in 1907. That year it was closed, and many of the treasures which once resided within the church have been lost.
Church of Saint Antonio
A wonderful fresco which depicts the life of Saint Anthony graces the ceiling of this lovely church.
Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine
One of the most extraordinary aspects of this religious structure is the string of icons that you'll encounter along the road as you walk to the sanctuary. They portray the Passion of Christ.
Church of San Michele Arcangelo
Dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, this church houses a beautiful statue made of wood which depicts the Madonna Addolorata. The church includes a wonderful bell tower.
 Historical Buildings and Monuments
The Ancient Ruins of Velia
Fortified walls which stretched to three miles, and towers surround the ancient ruins which are now the site of archaeological excavations. Within the ruins can be found the remains of an ancient port, thermal baths, and an acropolis. A Greek arch known as the Porta Rose at one point separated the northern and southern parts of the town.
The Amphitheatre
On warm summer nights all types of theater, from classical to modern is performed here on this open air stage.
 Places of Interest
Paestum
This ancient town is nearby, and worth visiting during your stay in Ascea. 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 Anthony - August, June, October and February
The people of Ascea celebrate Saint Anthony four times throughout the year. On these feast days there is much revelry in the town square, and a procession of the saint's statue.
Feast of Saint Nicola di Bari - December
Ascea's patron saint is celebrated each year at this festival.
 Links
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