Did I mention that I was incredibly bored when I lie longer Gazzetta dello Sport as a long on the beach do? Especially at temperatures around 40 degrees? Kindly Cilento is a mountainous area from the bathroom window and saw the sun set from 5.37 to just above the clock on most of all: Monte Gelbison . The fourth highest mountain in the Parco Nazionale del Cilento and Vallo di Diano reached at least 1705 meters and is also on the coast within easy reach. The huge metal cross of the Madonna del Monte Sacro you can also see from our base camp , the Elios Ascea out, especially if it is lit at night spectacular. Actually, it took the absolute reference in our hostel that is not his father, the mountain I would not let me miss anyway.

So I packed up again at a minimum of 40 degrees and auspicious day Nörgelzwerg camera and in the direction of Novi Velia, broken the last town before the summit. Of course I have not chosen the easy path for the highway over Vallo della Lucania, but first best dirt roads - the goal shows it and the car is under warranty. In Novi Velia then you follow the signs for "Sanctuary". The road leading to the peak change from dense forests with some spectacular views, sometimes you have to let pass a herd of goats, sometimes you can fill out the crystal clear water directly on the curb-to-find sources.

For only 3 € to be paid for the right to be able to park his vehicle below the summit. I recommend not to visit the mountain in a weekend, the monastery is very crowded on weekends and you risk a longer rise, because his car a few hundred meters below must leave.

The summit itself, the monastery "Santuario della Madonna del Monte" (see photo gallery), which was built on the ruins of a pagan place of worship. And in fact means Gelbison "Götzenberg". I'm always quite inclined towards pagan things, more Christian souls as I will surely delight in the numerous churches, chapels, bell towers and restaurants. I think that only the spectacular view of the half-hour ride ( pilgrims go kindly on foot !) justified: the view of the entire Cilento is breathtaking, and report impressive Cilentani be that one of there on a clear day both Capri and the Adriatic Coast and Sicily could see ... I have not been able to this.

It is advisable to carry enough coins: a very old pagan custom, according to (probably busy today, the "Madonna del Monte" with such profanity) returns money that you raise a located on the north side of the plateau stone pillar so that it remains lying . This is easier done than it sounds, and of doubtful success (the toll was raised again during my vacation), but quite entertaining.

At the foot of the hill, just before you reach back Novi Velia, we recommend the little restaurant "La Montanara", served in the Cilento specialties. The prices are moderate, the food is surprisingly good and the temperatures quite well on the shady terrace refreshing bearable. Alternatively, it has directly on to the street a beautiful picnic area river.

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