Castellabate
Castellabate (Cilentan: "Castiellabbate") is a town and "comune" in the province of Salerno in the Campania region of south-western Italy. History. The area was inhabited since Upper Palaeolithic times. In early medieval times, the current "frazione" of Licosa was a base of the Saracens, who were defeated here in 846 by a coalition of the Duchy of Naples, Amalfi, Sorrento and Gaeta. The history of the current Castellabate is tied to Saint Costabile Gentilcore (St. Constabilis), fourth abbot of La Trinità della Cava. In 1123, the same year in which he was elevated to the position of abbot , he started construction on the Angel's Castle (10 October 1123), which afterwards became entitled to him. His title gave the village its present name: "Castrum Abbatis", Latin for "the castle of the abbot". His abbacy lasted until 17 February 1124. His successor, Simeon, completed its construction and helped the inhabitants. Later, Castellabate fell under the control of the barony of the Cilento. It then passed, in turn, to Caracciolo, Loffredo, Filomarino, Acquaviva, and finally the Granito family (who carried the title of marquis and later became princes by marriage) in 1745. Castellabate remained in the family of the Prince  of Belmonte until the end of the feudal era. Geography. Castellabate borders with the municipalities of Agropoli, Laureana Cilento, Montecorice and Perdifumo. It counts the hamlets ("frazioni") of Alano, Licosa, Ogliastro Marina, Santa Maria (the municipal seat) and San Marco; and the localities of Lago and Tresino. Transport. The nearest railway station is found at Agropoli. Served by numerous trains, which include "Eurostar Italia", it is found on the route of Naples-Reggio Calabria. In terms of roads, it is served by the A3 Highway, which connects the town with the coast of Cilento. Access by sea is found at  the port of San Marco di Castellabate. Cuisine. Castellabate's cuisine is based on local products: wine, olive oil, cheese (such as mozzarella), garbanzo beans, salami, and confections made with figs. Media. "Benvenuti al Sud", an Italian adaptation of the 2008 French film "Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis", is set in Castellabate and partly in its hamlets Santa Maria and San Marco. International relations. Castellabate is twinned with: