VIBONATI

Vibonati is situated on a hill immediately inland of the Gulf of Policastro, at about 150 metres above sea level, close to the seaside village of Villammare.
According to local legend the village stands on a 4th century B.C. Phoenician settlement, which later became the Roman “Vibo ad siccam”.
The foundation of the present town, however, is attributed to Gisulfo, the last of the Lombard princes of Salerno, who, in order to defend the local populace from the Saracens, ordered a castle be erected there. The imposing ruins of this castle can still be seen today. Defense of the village was also assured by the presence of a cliff to the east and a high wall to the west.
During the middle ages the village was the centre of a flourishing industry which including tanning and shoe-making.
The population of Vibonati grew rapidly during the 17th century when survivors from the outbreaks of plague which afflicted the surrounding areas arrived there.
In 1797, when its population had risen to about 3000 inhabitants, the village became the possession of the Counts Carafa family until the abolition of feudalism. In 1848 Vibonati was also one of the centres of the Cilento uprisings. On September 3rd 1860 Garibaldi sojourned in the town. This event is commemorated on a plaque on the façade of the De Nicoleis House.
In addition to its wonderful climate, Vibonati offers the visitor an almost intact typical medieval village layout, with its characteristic narrow, paved streets and splendid old buildings.
The 17th century Mother Church of Sant’Antonio Abate is situated in the higher part of the town. Its sacristy is supported by a portico, il Tirone, whose main features are its time-blackened pillars. A particular mention must also go to the Convent of St Francis which is situated in the lower part of the town.