Press Release – Saint Nilo's Pilgrimage Route in Byzantine Cilento

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On October 24th, the trial run of the Way of Saint Nilo in Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park concluded with great optimism and enthusiasm. The conditions and prospects for its realisation already in 2019 are excellent.

At the conference held on October 23rd in San Mauro la Bruca, for which we thank mayor Franco Scarabino, it became clear not only that there is significant interest among local communities for this sustainable development project, but also the support of several mayors of towns along the route and the National Park Authority itself, represented by vice-president Cono d'Elia, who have declared their willingness to back the Way of Saint Nilo.

This journey through the heart of Cilento has allowed us to encounter an extraordinarily rich reality. The warmth and hospitality of every person we met was striking—at every turn, they made us feel at home. A cultural and artistic wealth often hidden among dense forests or winding village streets. A food and wine tradition synonymous with craftsmanship and quality. A territory that proved to be a continuous discovery, still unknown to far too many Cilentani.

Many young people are engaged in forward-thinking associations and projects: Toni Viterano, former mayor of Rofrano, with the Cilento Youth Union; Antonio Pellegrino, with his production of flours from ancient grains; Andrea Balbi with the "La Leonessa del Cilento" association in Montano Antilia, championing distributed hospitality; Gianluca Lamanna and Nunzia, who with the "Compagnia del fagiolo" in Montano Antilia, are dedicated to cultivating the prized white queen bean. In short, a generation of young people who are motivated, cultured, well-prepared, and attentive to the territory's emerging needs—through their work and commitment, they are breathing new energy and life into villages at serious risk of depopulation.

Settimio Rienzo, the creator of the Way of Saint Nilo and the Byzantine Routes, Antonio Tortorella, the historian, and Carlo Palumbo, guide and deeply knowledgeable explorer of those mountains, can certainly count on support not only from institutions but above all from the people already investing in and working on this territory. Because although nothing appears simple, and there is still much to be done, we are confident that with the guidance of A piedi per il mondo and with everyone's commitment, the Way of Saint Nilo will not only be a great success, but will represent for Cilento a high-quality tourism offering.

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