The narrow streets open often to smaller and larger squares with churches and mansions that tell tales of a bygone era, when the town was much more known for its power than being among one of Italy's most beautiful medieval towns.
The town's castle was founded in 1123 by the abbot of Cava San Costabile Gentilcore. The castle is called in Italian castello, abbot is abate, which is why the city was called Castello dell'Abate, Castellabate today. The castle was intended to protect citizens and the ships in the Mediterranean from the Saracen attacks. The town then gradually built up around the castle.
Read more about San Marco di Castellabate
The people gather in the main street Piazza 10 Ottobre 1123 which enjoys great views overlooking the Annunziata Valley. The town is a fascinating maze of small streets and narrow alleyways which beckon to be explored.
For the curious traveller can we mention that there is a Museo di Arte Sacra (Museum of Religious Art), which can be visited on Saturdays and Sundays, 16:30 to 20:00. Among the things you should not miss on a short visit to the town is watching the sunset from Belvedere di San Costabile and if you choose to stay in town, you will enjoy the cosy restaurants, delicatessen shops and lots of local colour. The good sandy beaches are within easy reach, Cilento Nature Reserve borders all around the town and Padula Monastery and temples of Paestum can be visited at a reasonable driving distance.
