The Municipalities of Cilento

Sassano was probably first established here by the Romans. Ancient documents mention an estate known as Praedia Soxsiani, which meant land belonging to someone named Sossiano (hence "Sassano"). However, the town is mentioned for the fist time in papers regarding a purchase on behalf of the bishop in 967 and a second time in 1131 when the Norman king Roger II makes a donation in favour of a community of Basilian monks. Again, the activity of a monastic order proves to be a crucial element in the history of the Cilento region. Sassano, like many neighbouring towns, became a feudal estate for many noble families (Sanseverino, Caracciolo, Cala) who significantly shaped the architectural and artistic landscape of this town.