The first of municipalities that you can see at the entrance of the Sorrento peninsula, Vico Equense welcomes visitors showing them the blue sea, one of the most beautiful and cleanest in Italy- up to 1440 meters of green Monte Faito, and that seems that wants to say "Welcome in Sorrento!"
History…
According to experts, the territory was already inhabited by people of Osci and Ausoni, and Samnites before coming into contact with the Romans. Were indeed found remains in the sixties that attest to the presence of a pre-Roman necropolis, which was rised under the current center. Indeed, the Roman Vicus was a kind of town, probably not independent of the Roman town of Stabia where were the patrician villas of which still remain the ruins of the Marine of Aequa and Vico.
The town was often damaged, from the historic eruption of Vesuvius, that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum, and many invasions of the Saracens, who drove the population away from the coast. People climb up in the mountains, living in what today is called the Casali, mountain villages that still host seventy percent of the population and make this town one of the greatest of all Campania Region.
In the Middle Ages, Charles d'Anjou reigns on the town and was by the French during the long wars for supremacy in Regno di Napoli on the 15th, suffering devastation and assaults by Spanish. The land of Vico Equense become home of men important: Giovan Battista della Porta, Filippo Caulino Gatano Filangieri, Luigi Serio, who also died in 1799 to defend the ideals of the Republic of Naples.
How to see
At Vico Equense there are many sites of cultural relevance. The Mineralogical Museum of Campania, one of the most important science museums in South Italy, and the “Antiquarium”, and a religious art museum of the Convent of San Vito and the nature of CITES in Pacognano at the order of the Salesians. Can not miss a visit to the Castle Giusso, the most important historical place. It was consists of some original, medieval, and was enlarged in the Renaissance, enriched with gardens, fountains and a library decorated with exceptional gallery –it’s still possible to see some paintings by Giuseppe Bonito. This period was also built Cathedral of the Assumption, with its Gothic style. The Castle was restored by Girolamo Russo, which gives the name now, and brings the memory of the visit of the famous philosopher Gaetano Filangieri. Currently, only opens its doors to host ceremonies and gala banquets.
After the Castle Giusso it is interesting to continue to visit the churches of the old town, as the former convent of SS. Trinity E Paradise, the Church of SS. Annunziata, the Church of S. Mary at the Castle from which you look at the wonderful view of Positano, and the remains of the ancient water mill built in 1600.
Happen if in some particular periods of the year, attention to local traditions varipinte:On January 6 the parade "Pacchianelle", that compliments the Child Jesus of traditional local products, citrus fruits, cheeses, nuts, sweets, and accompanying The Holy Family with a procession of fishermen. The Friday before the Sunday of Easter, there is a traditional procession of hooded organized the local religious groups.
Where to eat:
It must be said that with about 40 restaurants, farms, taverns and pizzerias, there will be spoiled for choice. Wherever you can taste local products, sweets, and the typical dishes of the culinary tradition that combines the flavors of the sea to the campaign. You can not miss to taste the famous “Pizza al Metro” (really long one meter pizza), divided by all the tastes that the imagination can suggest.
For the most demanding palates recommend two places to try: mountain restaurant Nonna Rosa, in the elegant setting of the villa of Giambattista della Porta. At sea, however, enjoy the experience of spending the evening in a ancient saracen tower, sampling the elte cusine of the famous Torre del Saracino.
At sea...
The beaches of Vico Equense offering everything you could wish for. There is the possibility to relax in comfort at "Le Axidie", to enjoy the benefits of "Lo Scrajo Thermal Bath" and enjoy at Bikini, famous establishment. Bikini is the evening meeting point for young people who are here for dancing till dawn on the beach.At the Stone you can do a dinner in the shadow of Vesuvius, in a glamourous the local open in summer only and strictly to the sea.
Hill Tours...
Landscapes of the campaign of "Casali" will protect you from when the sun is too hot. Urban centers have arisen in the hills, each with its own church and a patron saint, but all linked together mainly by economics, predominantly agricultural, crafts flourished and processing milk. You can go for a walk, see the wiew points and eat in one of the many farmhouses a dish of Scialatielli (fresh pasta), local cheeses like Provolone del Monaco D. O. P., and Casatiello, spicy bread coocked in these zones. Interesting monuments was in the complex of Astapiana and Arola and the fourteenth-century painting cycle of the Chapel of St. Lucia in Massaquano.
Mountain tours
Going beyond the Casali reach the highest part of Mount Faito. It 'easy to get by car from Vico Equense, or in just eight minutes with the service offered by Cable Car of Circumvesuviana. The Sports Center offers many alternatives in addition to traditional walk in the woods of pine and beech. Looking for a restaurant or a picnic area to accommodate. Before you go back, stop at the shrine of St. Michael, and admire the wiew from its churchyard: the peaks of Molare and Canino, the highest peaks of Monte Faito, will appear you very close.
Accommodation
Vico Equense expresses its dual tradition of marketing and tourism: The receptivity is really good,with its wide choice of hotels, campgrounds and bed and breakfasts. If you are looking for excellent hospitality, convenience and you want a place very close to sea we tried- and we want to suggest you the hotel Le Ancore.
