Why choose Ortodonico

Ortodonico

A very ancient story

Small hilly fraction of the municipality of Montecorice, Ortodonico is a small village in Cilento located on a hill 125 m above sea level and only 3 km away from it.

Its history is very ancient, the first records date back to 1162, but its origins date back to before the year one thousand. The name Ortodonico has been changed over the years from "Hortodonico" to "Casalis Orti Dominici seu Orti Dominici" and finally "Ortodonico". In its daily tranquillity, it is a discovery for those who have the pleasure of visiting it for the first time.

Over the years the town has undergone various changes and today it is divided into two parts: the ancient part and the more modern one, but what concerns the history and the past has remained almost the same. Even today you can admire the houses of that time preserved and well integrated into the context.

Charm and history

walking through the village

The charm of its historic center is enclosed in some of its characteristic elements such as: the Marchesale Palace, the Medieval Tower, the Amoresano Palace, the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate with its bell tower as well as the Museum of Rural Civilization in which preserved an ancient oil mill and various objects related to ancient rural life. Walking through the alleys of the historic center one gets the feeling that time has stopped. Each step is a discovery, the square, the arched alley, the roofs with those characteristic chimneys.

You cannot then say that you have been here without having tasted the white Cilento fig with its dense pulp and consistency, amber color and sweet taste. The valuable characteristics of this fig, with which we love to prepare cannoli with ricotta and white Cilento figs, are mainly due to the particular climate of the region and the mitigating action of the sea, as well as the particularly fertile soil.

Things to do

our recommendations

Ortodonico is located in a strategic point allowing you to easily reach the main destinations that have always characterized Cilento. Breathtaking views, unique beaches, nature trails, historical centers of extraordinary beauty, gastronomic excellence.

Just 3 km from the structure it is possible to reach the crystalline waters of the marine hamlets of Montecorice where the Blue Flag has been flying for years; among these we remember the beach of Case del Conte, Capitello and San Nicola a Mare. Starting then from one of the various coastal accesses (Montecorice, Case del Conte or San Nicola) it is possible to access the hinterland, crossing naturalistic localities, such as the Ripe Rosse, the fascinating pine forest of Pini d'Aleppo which rises directly on the rock up to get to the historic centers located on the hills.

One of the best known is the renowned Acciaroli beach 8 km away, whose crystalline water lets you glimpse the sandy bottom and the clear sand. The beach, due to its characteristics, is particularly suitable for families and children as it is easily accessible from the road, comfortable for the fine sand and safe for the shallow waters.

Cilento

not just the sea

Holidays in Cilento certainly represent an opportunity to switch off and live a unique experience, among breathtaking natural landscapes, enchanting beaches and more. In fact, the Cilento area is not only sea, it is primarily art and history and houses some of the most important archaeological sites in Italy.

The archaeological area of ??Paestum is one of the main archaeological sites in the world recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site; this is the perfect place from which to start exploring the history of Cilento. Another fundamental stop concerns the ruins of Velia, where it is possible to admire the ancient Roman amphitheater and the Archaeological Museum where there are hundreds of finds brought to light during the excavations.

Among the most beautiful villages of Cilento we find Palinuro, whose name according to legend derives from the helmsman of Aeneas who fell between these waters and was killed once he reached the mainland. This small village has to offer white beaches, crystal clear water and several hidden caves along the coast; the most famous is the Blue Grotto which owes its name to the intense color of the water when it is filtered by the sun's rays.

From Murat to Hemingway

Perched on the top of the hill is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Castellabate which well retains the charm of the medieval village. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it is characterized by its narrow cobbled streets, ancient buildings and the terrace of the Belvedere di San Costabile from which you can enjoy a unique panorama and from which Gioacchino Murat uttered the famous phrase back in 1811 "You don't die here".

For years a renowned seaside resort in Cilento for the pride of having one of the cleanest seas in Italy, Acciaroli is instead a typical fishing village. The small and charming historic center is a mix of streets and small squares dominated from above by the Norman tower and the Church of the Annunziata; legend has it that Ernest Hemingway fell in love with this place to the point of drawing inspiration from it for The Old Man and the Sea. The small village of Pioppi is also well known, famous above all for being the place of origin of the Mediterranean diet.