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Discover the 5 things to see in Vico Equense: unmissable attractions in the heart of the Sorrento coast
Located in the heart of the Sorrento coast, Vico Equense is a gem set between sea and mountains, offering a fascinating mix of history, culture and natural beauty. This picturesque town, famous for its culinary traditions and the warmth of its inhabitants, is the ideal starting point for exploring the wonders of the Sorrento Peninsula. If you are planning a visit to this area, you cannot miss its most iconic and fascinating attractions.
Vico Equense is a place where the past and present intertwine in a unique experience. The Church of the Santissima Annunziata, with its breathtaking architecture and historic frescoes, represents an important testimony to local faith and culture. The Giusso Castle, with its panoramic view of the Gulf of Naples, is another symbol of this splendid location, which tells stories of nobility and adventures.
Not just history and culture: Vico Equense is also a paradise for nature and wellness lovers. The Scrajo Terme offer the opportunity to relax and regenerate, while the Marina di Vico beach is ideal for a day of sun and sea. Hiking enthusiasts can venture onto Monte Faito or along the famous Path of the Gods, where breathtaking views and enchanting landscapes alternate at every step.
Finally, don’t forget to savor the local culinary tradition, starting with the famous Pizza a Metro, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Weekly Market. In this article, we will explore in detail these five unmissable attractions and others that make Vico Equense an absolute must-visit destination. Pack your suitcase and be inspired by what this extraordinary location has to offer!
Church of the Santissima Annunziata
Description
The Church of the Santissima Annunziata is one of the oldest and most evocative places of worship in Naples. Located in the heart of the historic center, near Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, the church dates back to the 14th century and has been remodeled several times over the centuries, while maintaining its beauty and charm intact.
Architecture
The facade of the church is a true masterpiece of Renaissance style, characterized by a portal decorated with bas-reliefs and a series of Corinthian columns. Inside, you can admire splendid works of art, including paintings by famous artists such as Luca Giordano and Francesco Solimena.
Traditions
The Church of the Santissima Annunziata is also linked to various religious and popular traditions of the city. Every year, on March 25, the feast of the Annunciation is celebrated, during which processions and ceremonies are organized in honor of the Madonna.
Guided tours
For those who wish to learn more about this wonderful church, guided tours are available that allow you to discover all the secrets and curiosities linked to its history and art.
Opening hours
The Church of the Santissima Annunziata is open to the public every day, with variable hours based on the season. It is advisable to check the opening hours before planning your visit.
Giusso Castle
Description
The Giusso Castle is a suggestive building located on the hills of Vico Equense, a few kilometers from Naples. Dating back to the 15th century, this ancient castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The structure consists of a medieval tower and an internal courtyard, surrounded by a well-kept garden.
History
Giusso Castle has a history rich in events and legends. It was built as a watchtower to defend the territory from attacks by Saracen pirates. Over the centuries it has undergone various transformations, also becoming a noble residence and a meeting place for artists and intellectuals of the time. Today it is open to the public and hosts cultural events and temporary exhibitions.
Visit
To visit the Giusso Castle it is possible to book a guided tour, during which you can discover the history of the castle and admire the frescoes and works of art that decorate the rooms. From the panoramic terrace you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the coast and the sea, making the experience unforgettable for visitors.
Events
Giusso Castle regularly hosts cultural events, art exhibitions and concerts, which attract visitors from all over the world. During the summer, the internal courtyard is transformed into an evocative open-air theater, where music and theater shows are held. Furthermore, it is possible to organize weddings and private events inside the castle, to live a unique and unforgettable experience.
Campania Mineralogical Museum
General information
The Campania Mineralogical Museum is located in Naples and is one of the most important mineralogy museums in the region. Founded in 1912, the museum has a collection of over 5000 minerals from different parts of the world, including Italy, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. The museum is housed inside Palazzo Cioffi, a historic building in the heart of the historic center of Naples.
Collections and exhibitions
The Campania Mineralogical Museum offers visitors the opportunity to admire a vast range of minerals, crystals and rocks from different parts of the world. The collections are divided by category and geographical origin, allowing visitors to explore the diversity and beauty of naturally occurring minerals. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and special events related to the world of mineralogy and geology.
Activities and events
The Campania Mineralogical Museum organizes guided tours, educational workshops and conferences to promote knowledge and awareness of the importance of minerals and rocks in everyday life. Museum experts are available to answer visitors' questions and provide detailed information on the minerals on display. The museum is also a point of reference for students and researchers interested in the study of mineralogy and geology.
Timetables and useful information
The Campania Mineralogical Museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, with variable opening hours. Entrance to the museum is subject to a fee, but there are discounted rates for students, seniors and groups. For further information on opening hours, ticket costs and scheduled events, you can consult the museum's official website or contact the staff directly.
Scrajo Terme
History and Description
Scrajo Terme is one of the most famous and ancient spa centers in Campania. Located in Vico Equense, a few kilometers from Naples, the spa is immersed in a breathtaking natural landscape, between the sea and the mountains of the Sorrento Peninsula.
Scrajo Terme boasts a thousand-year history, dating back to Roman times, when the Romans built the first spa structures here. Over the centuries, the spa has been expanded and renovated, becoming one of the most renowned places for body and mind care.
Services and Treatments
The Scrajo Terme offer a wide range of services and spa treatments, ideal for relaxation and well-being. Among the main attractions of the spa are the thermal pools with hot sulphurous water, rich in healing properties for the skin and joints.
At the Scrajo Terme it is possible to enjoy massages, thermal muds, thermal baths and beauty treatments. Furthermore, the spa organizes yoga, pilates and other activities for physical and mental well-being.
Practical information
The Scrajo Terme are open all year round and offer personalized wellness packages for all tastes and needs. It is possible to book single treatments or complete packages that include accommodation in partner hotels.
To reach Scrajo Terme from Naples, you can take a train to Vico Equense and then a bus to the spa. Alternatively, it is possible to reach the spa by car, along the panoramic road that runs along the Sorrento coast.
Marina di Vico beach
Description
The Marina di Vico beach is one of the favorite destinations for tourists and residents of Naples looking for relaxation and the sea. Located in the Vico Equense area, this beach is characterized by crystal clear waters and a breathtaking landscape, surrounded by cliffs and uncontaminated nature. The beach is easily accessible by car or train, and offers umbrella and deck chair rental services, bars and restaurants to meet all visitor needs.
Activities
The Marina di Vico beach is the ideal place to spend a day at the beach in complete relaxation. Here you can snorkel, take a walk along the shore, or simply sunbathe and enjoy the view. For those who love sport, it is possible to rent canoes or pedal boats to explore the coast and sea caves in the area. Furthermore, the beach is equipped with showers and toilets to ensure maximum comfort for visitors.
What to see
In addition to the splendid waters of the Gulf of Naples, the Marina di Vico beach offers the opportunity to visit the nearby village of Vico Equense, with its picturesque streets and ancient churches. From here it is also possible to reach the nearby Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast, to visit other places of tourist interest such as Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi.
In short, the Marina di Vico beach is an unmissable stop for those who want to spend a day of relaxation and seaside in one of the most evocative places in Campania.
Monte Faito
Description
Mount Faito is a mountain located in the Sorrento Peninsula, in the heart of the Monti Lattari Regional Park. With its 1131 meters high, it offers a breathtaking view of the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast and the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida. Thanks to its panoramic position, Monte Faito is an ideal place for lovers of trekking and nature excursions, but also offers opportunities for leisure and relaxation.
What to see and do
One of the main attractions of Monte Faito is its famous "path of the Gods", a hiking route that winds along panoramic ridges and cliffs overlooking the sea. The path offers breathtaking views and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the uncontaminated nature of the Sorrento Peninsula.
For those who prefer a more relaxing visit, Monte Faito also offers the possibility of reaching the top by cable car, enjoying unique views along the way. Once at the top, you can visit the beautiful sanctuary of the Madonna di Montalto and take a break in one of the panoramic restaurants to savor the typical cuisine of the area.
How to reach Monte Faito
Monte Faito is easily reachable from Naples and the Amalfi Coast by public transport or by car. From Naples, it is possible to take the Circumvesuviana train to Castellammare di Stabia station and from there continue by bus to the Monte Faito cable car. Alternatively, it is possible to reach Monte Faito by car along the panoramic road that starts from Vico Equense.
Once you arrive, you can park your car at the cable car parking lot and go up to the top with the cable car or along one of the hiking trails that start from the base of the mountain.
Antico Borgo di Seiano
Description
The Ancient Village of Seiano is a charming village located on the Posillipo hill, in the municipality of Naples. This ancient village retains its original structure intact, with narrow alleys, colorful houses and a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Naples. Dating back to the Roman period, the village of Seiano has undergone several transformations over the centuries, while maintaining its ancient and authentic charm intact.
What to see
A visit to the Ancient Village of Seiano allows you to immerse yourself in the history and tradition of Naples. Among the main attractions to visit are the Church of Santa Maria della Neve, with its medieval bell tower, and the Seiano Castle, a fortress that dates back to the 1st century BC. and which offers a panoramic view of the Bay of Naples. Furthermore, walking through the streets of the village it is possible to admire the ancient tuff and stone houses, the internal courtyards and the suggestive views overlooking the sea.
How to get there
The Antico Borgo di Seiano is easily reachable by public transport, thanks to the presence of several bus lines that connect the center of Naples to the Posillipo district. Alternatively, it is also possible to reach the village on foot, following a suggestive panoramic walk along the Posillipo hill.
In conclusion, the Antico Borgo di Seiano is an unmissable stop for those who visit Naples and want to immerse themselves in the authentic and evocative atmosphere of an ancient Mediterranean village. With its narrow streets, colorful houses and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples, this village represents a true hidden jewel of the Neapolitan city.
Pizza a Metro
The Neapolitan tradition of pizza by the meter
Pizza by the meter is a typical Neapolitan specialty that can be found in many pizzerias in the city. It is a long, narrow pizza, usually topped with simple but high-quality ingredients such as tomato, mozzarella, basil and extra virgin olive oil. This pizza is ideal for sharing with friends or family, and represents a convivial and fun way to enjoy the Neapolitan culinary tradition.
Pizzerias that serve pizza by the meter are often frequented by Neapolitans and tourists looking for an authentic and tasty gastronomic experience. The pizza by the meter is cooked in wood-fired ovens, which give the pizza a unique and unmistakable flavour. Furthermore, the variety of condiments available allows everyone's tastes to be satisfied, from the most traditionalists to the most adventurous.
Pizza by the meter represents an excellent solution for those who want to eat quickly but genuinely, without sacrificing taste and quality. Furthermore, the generally low price makes this specialty accessible to everyone, allowing you to savor the true essence of Neapolitan cuisine without spending a fortune.
If you are in Naples and want to taste pizza by the meter, we recommend you go to one of the city's historic pizzerias, where you can enjoy this traditional dish in an authentic and welcoming atmosphere. Don't forget to accompany your pizza by the meter with a beer or a glass of local wine, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Sentiero degli Dei
Description:
The Path of the Gods is one of the most famous and evocative hiking routes on the Amalfi Coast. About 7 kilometers long, this panoramic trail winds between the towns of Agerola and Positano, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. The route, which develops along a mountain ridge, allows you to enjoy unique and spectacular views, crossing forests of holm oaks and chestnut trees, terraces planted with lemons and ancient villages set among the rocks.
How to get there:
To reach the Path of the Gods it is possible to start from different locations, including Agerola, Positano and Bomerano. From Naples, you can take a bus that connects the city to Agerola, from where you can start the excursion. Alternatively, it is possible to reach Positano by car or public transport and from there take a bus to Bomerano, the starting point of the path.
What to bring:
To tackle the Path of the Gods it is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and trekking shoes, as the route has steep and irregular sections. It is also advisable to bring water, food and sun protection with you, as there are no refreshment points along the route. It is important to pay attention to the weather conditions and check the forecast before leaving.
Exploring the Path of the Gods is a unique and unforgettable experience, which allows you to immerse yourself in the uncontaminated nature of the Amalfi Coast and admire breathtaking views that will remain etched in your memory forever.