|
 In the Province of Salerno, situated on the plain of the Sarno River between the Lattari and Picentini mountain ranges is the Agro Nocerino Sarnese territory.
The area, that represents the lungs of agriculture in the Province of Salerno, is made up of the towns of Angri, Castel San Giorgio, Corbara, Nocera Inferiore, Nocera Superiore, Pagani, Roccapiemonte, San Marzano sul Sarno, San Valentino Torio, Sant’Egidio del Monte Albino, Sarno, Scafati and Siano.
The fertility of the land determined the Agro Nocerino Sarnese area as the agricultural and food processing chain of Salerno.
The centre of this activity is without doubt the production of the San Marzano DOP tomato, whose conserves and by-products make it one of most well-known and appreciated typical Italian products in the world.
The economy as a whole of the Agro zone is thriving, thanks to the presence of numerous industries of tobacco, and the manufacturing of hemp and textile fibre. As well as its thriving economy, Agro Nocerino Sarnese is one of the areas of the Province of Salerno characterised by numerous artistic and historical gems.
Among these, testifying to the importance of this area in ancient times, the archaeological area of Nuceria Alfaterna, churches and above all ancient villas and castles, such as Villa Calvanese in Castel San Giorgio, Doria Castle in Angri, and Fienga Castle in Nocera.
The latter, in particular during the summer period, are home to a variety of shows, from music to art, folklore to gastronomy, in a continuous blend of Christian customs and pagan traditions.
The following municipalities form part of the Picentino mountains; Acerno, Castiglione del Genovesi, Giffoni Sei Casali, Giffoni Valle Piano, Olevano Sul Tusciano, Montecorvino Rovella, Montecorvino Pugliano, San Cipriano Picentino and San Mango Piemonte, that since 1995 make up the Montana community.
The territory of the Montana community, described in southern Italy as the “reservoir of drinking water”, is crossed by two rivers: the Picentino and Tusciano. Their water is drunk by vast areas of Campania, Puglia and Basilicata. Furthermore there is no shortage of grassland, used by locals for the grazing of sheep and cattle. Indeed, the main source of income comes from the rearing of sheep. Typical local produce includes: buffalo mozzarella, “caciocavallo” (a type of southern Italian cheese) and Pecorino cheese. Without forgetting of course the famous chestnuts of Montella and Hazlenuts of Giffoni.
The Picentino Mountains are full of history, monuments and evocative historical villages. It is possible to admire amazing valleys and enchanting caves formed through the filtration of water. |