Hidden magics of Campania: the High Valley of the Saddle in the most tempting area of Italy

The historical, natural and archaeological characteristic of the High valley of the Sele river constitutes the ideal base for tourism able to give peace to which wants to find in nature, in a calm atmosphere the values of its being.
The Sele river takes its source with Caposele and, after 64 km, is thrown in the gulf of Salerno close to Paestum. Its water is a source of life and, thanks to their extraordinary characteristics collected in the surroundings of Contursi Terme, the Saddle was always considered a natural phenomenon as of Virgilio which quoted it in its work. The old ones believed that its water had the capacity to petrify all that which fell inside, thus giving their interpretation of the phenomenon of natural sedimentation of the thermal springs which occurs still today.
The Saddle remains one of the rivers most beautiful and less polluted of Italy. The valley which cross-piece is the ideal habitat of the otter and of the birds which now are only in these places.

This occupied territory a strategic position between Salerno, Avellino and Potenza and the Adriatic Seas and Thyrrhénienne. The lovers of nature can find splendid landscapes and routes.
To go in these places means to go on a journey in the past, outside of beaten courses, to discover nature, the old traditions and the excellent food products: cheeses, vegetables, meat, the pork-butchery, olive oil, wine, honey.
One can observe splendid green fields, plains and mountains and visit boroughs like Valva, Colliano and Quaglietta.
Valva is with the feet of the Marzano Mount. Valva dominates the zone of the Valley of the Saddle surrounded by the Picentini Mounts. The old part of the village is very beautiful. It was built at the time of the Romans like fortress to defend the inhabitants by the invasions sarrasines. One finds there charming Villa of Ayala with the castle of medieval origin and the sumptuous park of 17 hectares to be visited. It was remade in XVIIIième century like holiday place for the marquis d' Ayala. The park is carried out with the “traditional Gardens” and marvellous wood decorated with statues and fountains. The sculptures represent myths and allegories: Diane, Spring, Summer, Hercules, painter etc There is also a theatre in the open air with statues around.
Colliano, built on a rock of the Marzano Mount, is in a suggestive situation.
It dominates the Valley of the Saddle and it is surrounded by a marvellous nature. The territory is full with parks and meadows, with protected oases. One of the products most important of the place it is the black truffle. In October there is a fair exposure dedicated to truffle. Pretty lanes and the cathedral.
Quaglietta is a medieval borough suggestive and charming, with the style Tuscan, recently given to nine. It has a splendid sight of the Valley.
The activity of the basement created the thermal volcanic zone of Contursi Terme, famous for the care of sulphur and the SPA.
A 6/7 day old turn in these places will give to the traveller the possibility of enjoying places and landscapes, without the stress of the clock, to discover the small treasures of this splendid ground.