San Giovanni a Piro

CENOBIUM of SAN GIOVANNI BATTISTA
In the town of San Giovanni a Piro, at the feet of Mount Bulgheria, rises the byzantine complex of San Giovanni Battista (John the Baptist). Although a great number of the old monasteries of Cilento have fallen into ruin, the cenobium of San Giovanni Battista still has an intact and imposing structure.
It was founded in 990 by byzantine monks from Epirus (an ancient Greek state, located in the western Balkans). They became like barons and they had the widest jurisdictional autonony both over spiritual and temporal affairs (from the district of Camerota up to San Nicolia di Grisolia, in Calabria).
During the greatest splendour of the byzantine monasticism, the Cenobium of San Giovanni a Piro has been one among the most flourishing monasteries in Cilento and Vallo di Diano.
The cross-shaped reliquary of the Byzantine school was given to the Duomo of Gaeta in 1534. It is a small neck cross made of gold; both its side are polychrome enamel decorated.
On the front side it is portrayed Christ Crucified whereas, on the other side, in the centre of the cross there is the Virgin surrounded by four busts of Saints.


Seasonal opening: from June the 15th to September the 15th, 4,30 p.m – 7,30 p.m. Winter season visits only by reservation. 
Info: www.comunedisangiovanniapiro.it – phone +390974983007

MARIA SS. DI PIETRASANTA SHRINE
It was originally a small chapel, built up around 1200 by the monks.
The monks have made a stone statue of the Virgin, in the Byzantine style: it portrays the Child standing on the Mother’s knees, with His right hand in a benediction’s gesture. Today it is one of the widest religious complex and a pilgrims’ destination.

ITINERARIES

Sentiero del Marcellino - Marcellino’s trail,
rising sheer from the sea (go to Trekking itineraries). The trail starts from the Ciolandrea plain (519 m above the sea level) overlooking the sea. As the moderate slope gradually changes in a steep, we suggest you to be very careful. The trail passes among the Mediterranean scrub (Genisteae, Myrtus and Arbus unedo) and it overlooks wonderful coves and imposing towers. With the massif of Mount Bulgheria (1225 m) at your back, you will admire the panorama of the Gulf of Policastro and, in the clear days, you can even see the Aeolian Islands (in the north of Sicily).

Ceraseto’s trail – trailing Byzantine Monks
Near the little cemetery church that rises behind the Coenobium you will find a trail leading to the Ceraseto cave, after around 30 minutes walking: it has been dug in a rock face of Mount Bulgheria. The remains of the defensive walls are still visible.

Manna’s trail - The road of the faith
An ancient track, starting from the Martellata chapel, leads to the Shrine of SS. Maria di Pietrasanta. The track climbs through the Mediterranean scrub up to a source of “miracle” water (“Manna”) and then to the Shrine’s courtyard.

Hermits’ trail – Towards the peak of Mount Bulgheria
The climbing of Mount Bulgheria (1225 m) starts at the town’s soccer field. The trail goes steeply through the Mediterranean scrub. Once you reach the peak a breath-taking panorama opens to your eyes!