The Municipalities of Cilento

In the last century, the name "Velia" was added to the pre-existing name of "Novi" in order to commemorate the important ancient Greek settlement which was located here. Since then, this hilltop town has been a feudal estate of the Lombards and, in modern times the summer residence of the bishops of Capaccio. A scenic country walk leads from the town centre to the top of Mount Gelbison or Sacro Monte, as it is known locally - which houses the most worshipped sanctuary of southern Italy, dedicated to the Virgin Mary The top of Mount Gelbison, 1707 meters above sea level, offers breath-taking vista of the bay, embracing even the islands of Ischia and Capri. The historical church of Santa Maria dei Longobardi together with the Celestine Abbey and the former Church of San Giorgio are well known historical landmarks.