Roccadaspide, Italian comune
Roccadaspide is a small village in the Province of Salerno situated at about 340 meters above sea level in the Calore River valley, surrounded by wooded hills and green fields. The settlement centers around the remains of a medieval fortress that overlooks the valley, with several churches, narrow stone-paved streets, simple stone houses, and a quiet main square where the community gathers.
The area was inhabited by Greeks and Etruscans as far back as the 7th century BCE, with excavated remains showing ancient homes and burial sites. In the 7th century CE, people fleeing pirate raids and invasions established settlements in the hills, and Roccadaspide gradually became a fortified settlement under the Principality of Salerno until Emperor Frederick II reinforced the fortress in the 13th century.
The name Roccadaspide refers to the fortress that once dominated the village and the rocky formation beneath it. The community remains rooted in religious traditions visible in its several churches, which serve as gathering places that reflect the residents' connection to their past and faith.
The village is simple to explore, with narrow roads winding through the streets leading to historic sites and scenic viewpoints. Small inns, farmhouses, and camping areas nearby offer overnight lodging, while neighboring villages like Camerota and San Giovanni a Piro are easily accessible, making it convenient to explore the wider region.
The chestnuts from this area carry a protected geographic designation, reflecting their local significance and long-standing role in the community's food culture and heritage. Residents have harvested and valued these nuts for generations, making them a key ingredient in traditional dishes and seasonal celebrations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
