Trade and river routes
Small village built on the slopes that descend from Monte Gelbison towards the Gulf of Policastro, along the upper course of the Mingardo river, Alfano is a fascinating discovery, a typical example of the surprises that Cilento reserves.
Its first official documents date back to the Angevin period, but it is certain that the foundation of the town dates back to much earlier. Although the historical sources are fragmentary, it is still possible to reconstruct its history.
Its territory has been a nodal point for trade and economy since ancient times, and there is evidence of it in Pliny the Elder's Naturalis Historia: "After Palinuro is the river Melpe". It is precisely the Faraone river, a name that still today indicates the source of the Mingardo river, which flows into Palinuro at the Molpa hill, hence the ancient name.
In ancient times the inland had the same importance of the coast: in addition to crops (wheat, cereals, oil, wine, vegetables, legumes and much more), Cilento gave to Rome an almost infinite quantity of high quality timber, source of revenue for many activities, such as the naval industry.
The proximity of forests to rivers and rivers to the sea was a decisive factor for trade. The wood could be easily found, transported across the river to the sea and embarked: that’s why the territory of Alfano was also so important.
With the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it starts the presence of Italo-Greek monasticism.
The proximity to Laurito and its Basilian monasteries makes the territory of Alfano important for commercial purposes, especially production of fine woods and bricks, locally made in the many carcare (bricks kilns), always built near waterways, necessary both for processing and for transporting the finished product.
This presence is still alive and evident since the toponyms of the places: via Santa Sofia and the Church of San Nicola di Mira, oriental saints par excellence, are the most evident traces of the Basilian influence.
The walk offers places and glimpses of rare beauty: the church and its treasures, such as the 16th century stone stoups, baronial palaces and, moving towards the river, a Ironworks disused since 1864, unknown and fascinating symbol of Cilento Industrial Revolution, which in a certain way follows the history and destiny of the Morigerati Ironworks on the Bussento river, and the Santa Venere mill, which also includes Alfano in the “Cilento’s Mills” paths. Another jewel, the "Museum of Rural Life", an extraordinary testimony of the deep soul of this magical place.
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