Monte Gelbison

Church and summit cross

View to the south

The Monte Gelbison, who also Monte Sacro ( ital: Holy Mountain ) is called, with a height of 1705 m slm one of the highest mountains in the Cilento.

Geography

The mountain is surrounded by the villages Cannalonga, Ceraso, Novi Velia, Cuccaro Vetere, Futani, Laurito, Montano Antilia, Rofrano and Vallo della Lucania. From it reveals itself in good weather with a beautiful panorama of the southern Italian coast to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands. To the north, you can see Mount Vesuvius. At the summit, the Sanctuario della Madonna di Novi Velia, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites of Campania is located. The "Black Madonna" in the sanctuary founded by Basilikanermönchen is probably of African origin.

Accessibility

On the Monte Gelbison is a road that starts in Novi Velia and approximately 10 km leads to the mountain. Furthermore, there are trails from the surrounding villages. The hike on foot takes about 5 hours to complete and is in particular on the pilgrimage dates in May and September, a special experience. Strict traditionalists bring this path barefoot behind. Many take a stone on the way, they then place on top of a pile in front of the stairs to the monastery.