ETIMOLOGY AND HISTORY

The name “Cuccaro Vetere” derives from Greek “Kyclos” (which means “Fortified center”) for its position which overlooks the extended surrounding area. The village was founded in the sixteenth century b. C., as a defensive garrison for the Chora Velina. Its geographical location has facilitated the installation of settlements even after the Roman Empire’s fall. In particular, the Normans transformed the village in a bulwark and built the castle which allowed the current development of the village. With Federico II Cuccaro, it was turned into the Emperor’s personal fiefdom. It is worth saying that the village was an important religious seat. In fact, it was the home of retreat for the Italians-greeks monks and the place where Basilian monks founded the monastery of San Nicola di Mira. Here, the Franciscans also established the monastery of San Francesco, which allowed the discovery of the Cross of Christ’s relics, now owned by the church of San Pietro Apostolo. In the fifteenth century, Barnaba Sanseverino – count of Capaccio- became the owner of the village. Then the propriety passed in the hands of Berengario Carafa. In 1558, the fiefdom became property of Pignatelli di Monteleone family. In 1641 it was sold to Cesare Zattera and in 1696 it went under the domain of Pappacoda princes, who owned the village until 1806.

Although Cuccaro Vetere was built for defensive reasons, the population has always had a steady relationship with the surrounding area, which has always been used for agricultural production, solely for their own consumption The village boasts ancient craft traditions which have been kept alive by local artisans. Among these activities wood carving is worth mentioning. The old town has maintained the typical urban structure of a medieval village developed around the castle. The old road system has been preserved because all the buildings (which have been erected during the years) did not damage the urban structure of the village. Nowadays, stables, cellars and rural houses are still visible. There is a significant number of buildings with fine architectural features. In particular, these are the buildings located along a few streets: Via Fausto Laviano, Via Ancelle di Santa Teresa and Via Salita Castella. The architectural structure shows building techniques which are typical of the Cilento area: buildings made entirely from stone with limestone portals of exquisite workmanship and high-level craftsmanship. Lastly, in the old town you can see several arcs of passage which represent an evident sign of medieval building techniques.