Discover Altavilla Silentina

Altavilla Silentina combines the tradition of the “Cente” with a historic centre whose 18th-century street plan has remained almost unchanged, as well as designated trails. You can get to know the town through its religious customs, memorial sites or circular routes and hiking trails. These themes offer different ways to shape your stay: a procession in June, historic buildings and alleyways, or trails designated for hiking, horse riding and mountain biking.

The Cente and their procession

The “Cente” are distinctive votive offerings, usually shaped like boats. They consist of candles of various sizes mounted on wooden and metal frames and decorated with ribbons, lights and flowers. They are therefore not individual candles, but decorated structures on supports; their form, materials and ornaments are all part of the custom.

During the procession, thirteen Cente and the statue of the saint are usually carried to every house in the town. The Festa di Sant'Antonio da Padova and the procession of the Cente take place in Altavilla Silentina on 13 June. The procession’s route to every house gives the custom a clear connection to the town: it moves through the town and is not limited to a single stop.

The tradition is also kept alive through events such as the “Palio delle Cente” and historical re-enactments. Another date in the calendar is the August fair tradition, “Fera r'austt”. While the procession is associated with 13 June, this name refers to the August fair. If you are planning to visit specifically for a festival, check the latest event dates before booking.

Historic centre and circular route

The historic centre has preserved its 18th-century street plan almost unchanged. The Visitaltavilla circular route passes through the centre’s main streets and medieval alleyways, taking in buildings, monuments and art installations. As you walk through the alleyways, panoramic views change around every turn. Together, these features make for a walk where the town’s layout, architectural and artistic points of interest, and changing views sit side by side.

The named buildings also offer different historical points of reference. The Monastery of San Francesco was built around 1435. The year 1761 can be read in the Church of San Francesco; the work in question is attributed to Solimena. The monastery’s construction date and the year found in the church are therefore two separate historical details.

Trails for different activities

Altavilla Silentina has eight designated trails with a total length of 80 kilometres, suitable for hiking, horse riding or mountain biking. This is on a different scale from the Visitaltavilla circular route: instead of a walk through the streets and alleyways of the historic centre, there are several designated trails to choose from for three activities. This lets you decide whether to focus on the townscape and its history or on hiking, horse riding and mountain biking.

Remembering the 1943 battle

The Percorso della Memoria uses information panels and digital content to reconstruct the locations of the Battle of Altavilla in September 1943. It complements the town’s architectural history with the battle’s military history and its locations.

During the planning of the Allied landing on the coast of the Gulf of Salerno, Quota 424 was considered a strategic objective. A monument was erected at Quota 424 to honour those killed in the fighting there from all sides. Together, these points illustrate the planning context and the remembrance of those killed on the different sides.

Discover more destinations: Torre Orsaia, Petina, Maiori, Arienzo, Sieti, Positano, Sicignano Degli Alburni, Cosentini.

For the overview of the wider area: Salerno.