Capaccio-Paestum: the Municipality
Capaccio-Paestum is one of the largest and most important municipalities in northern Cilento, a territory that blends sea, plains, and hills in a unique balance. The municipality comprises numerous hamlets, including Capaccio, Paestum, Laura, Gromola, and Licinella, and is located within the Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni National Park. Thanks to the presence of the Paestum archaeological site, Capaccio-Paestum is an internationally renowned destination, attracting cultural, seaside, and food and wine tourism.
From Ancient Poseidonia to Today
The history of Capaccio-Paestum has its roots in ancient Poseidonia, founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC and later renamed Paestum by the Romans. The city became one of the most important centers of Magna Graecia, as evidenced by the famous Doric temples, among the best preserved in the world, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With the decline of the Roman Empire and the marshy plain, Paestum lost importance and the populations moved to the hilly areas, giving rise to the settlements that formed present-day Capaccio. In the Middle Ages, the village became an agricultural and rural center, maintaining a land-based economy for centuries. In the 20th century, thanks to land reclamation and the enhancement of the archaeological area, Capaccio-Paestum experienced strong growth, becoming a major tourist and cultural hub.
Local Characteristics
The Capaccio-Paestum area is extremely diverse: from the fertile Sele Plain, rich in livestock and crops, to the inland hills, to the long coastline with sandy beaches and pine forests. The Paestum and Laura coastline is renowned for the quality of its waters and the breadth of its beaches, ideal for family seaside tourism.
The Paestum archaeological site represents the cultural hub of the area, surrounded by a still-unspoiled rural landscape. The presence of accommodation facilities, farms, and dairies also makes the municipality a hub for experiential and food and wine tourism.
Culture, Traditions, and Identity
The culture of Capaccio-Paestum is deeply rooted in its millennia-old history and agricultural tradition. Religious festivals, historical reenactments, and cultural events highlight the connection between the area and the legacy of Magna Graecia.
The Campanian buffalo mozzarella DOP, a symbol of local gastronomic excellence, is world-famous, alongside typical products such as extra virgin olive oil, wines, and vegetables from the plain. Events, fairs, and festivals related to food, history, and the sea make Capaccio-Paestum a unique destination.