Tortorella

Tortorella is a picturesque inland town of the Gulf of Policastro, placed on a rise of 580 m overlooking the stream Bussentino. Climbing toward Tortorella you will see, from its panoramic terraces, the gorge the Bussentino has cut and, in the background, Mount Zepparra, where goshawks (Accipiter gentilis), kestrels (Falco tinniculus) and kites (Milvus milvus) nest.

During a walk in the town you can admire ancient architecture works.

PORTA SUCTANA
It is the old town gate dating back to the Early Middle Ages.

MARQUIS-BARONAL PALACE
It dates from the 16th century; here you can see a stone-sculpted water well and an ancient press. The Baronial palace of the counts Carafa, in the town centre, once were an armonious architecture’s example of the 16th -17th century. In the Palace’s courtyard the stone water well stands still out; its decoration is an ironic representation: two-faced figures of Antony and Cleopatra, Caesar and Livia, made by an unknown marble sculptor from Padula.

THE STONE CROSS
Old stone based cross, placed on the provincial road.

RUPAZZI’S ROAD
It’s the medieval road in cobblestone leading to the town.

THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH
The grandiose structure of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta (509 m2) is in the highest central point of the residential area. It was built up in the 11th century.
The church’s façade overlooks Umberto I Square. It has been a place of worship known as SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE since 1400: it has been preferred as principal church, instead of the church of SACRA FAMIGLIA, due to its central position.
In 1890 the clergy, in particular the prelate CARTOLANO, demanded the church’s renovation, made with the significant contribution of all the population.
The three naves and the apse have delicate motifs of the Baroque style. At the entrance of the church is put a fine portal, whereas a wood Choir behind the Altar adorns the interior. On the left wall of the chapel of SAN FELICE, in the parish church, there is a grandiose image of Jesus Crucified.