Top 6 Caves サッコでの

A brief explanation of the patronage of 'MARY OF THE SNOW', which visitors don't encounter very often: This takes us far back in church history to the fourth/fifth century, and geographically to Rome. On August 5, 363, the so-called "miracle of the snow" occurred at the site where the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore now stands. That is to say, on that day, in the middle of summer, snow lay there in the morning because the Virgin Mary wished to have a church dedicated to her built on that spot. She conveyed this wish in a vision to a wealthy couple – who subsequently initiated and financed the construction – and to the Bishop of Rome, who at that time was Pope Liberius. The Roman church holds the rank of a patriarchal basilica (papal basilica) and is the origin of all churches and chapels with this patronage. In the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church, August 5th, the feast day of the church's consecration (in the year 432 by Pope Sixtus III), is an optional memorial. Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome was the focus of international attention last year because Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday 2025, had chosen this church as his final resting place.

Absolutely worth a visit, a town that has remained authentic and is unfortunately depopulating, but which has so much to offer.

Stream that disappears into the mountain

Surrounded by dense beech woods, Sant'Angelo a Fasanella is a village located on the south-eastern slopes of the Alburni mountains. In addition to the spectacular surrounding nature, the Grotta di San Michele Arcangelo is not to be missed.

The Grava di Vesalo is a deep karst chasm in the Laurino area, formed by the waters of the Milenzio stream which disappears underground and re-emerges after about 2 km to flow into the Calore river. It is one of the most important natural attractions of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Cervato is located near the highest peak in Campania, Monte Cervati. The church is a pilgrimage destination, and in the month of July a procession is held that brings the statue of the Madonna della Neve here.

The sanctuary and the cave of the Madonna della Neve are enclosed in a typically karst environment. High jagged rock walls, sinkholes and caves make this place fascinating. This place is absolutely worth a visit, even if you are not a believer.

La Nevera is a deep hole in the rock which in the past was used as a refrigerator for storing food. The snow that accumulated inside made the place cool for long periods.