Ottati

Ottati is a medieval town, renowned for its rustic beauty and tranquility.
Dominated on the north side by a cliff, which protects it from the cold winter climate, Ottati is located halfway between Castelcivita and Corleto Monforte, along the high rocky slopes of the Mount Alburnina, and falls entirely within the perimeter of the National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano. Its territory is largely made up by mountains rich in woods, while an hilly area is located in the south of the town. Characteristic are the superficial phenomena of karst, consisting of dolines and furrowed fields, while, in the subsoil, the caves are of great value (Grave dei Gatti, Conca di Rupistella, Grava Sarrauto). According to a memoir written by the notary Vincenzo Fasano, Ottati already existed in 1195; some others say that the first dwellings were built around the year 1000, presumably built by Greek colonists who had abandoned the ancient town of Civita, whose remains, dating back to the 8th century, are still visible.
All the churches of Ottati, like so many others, suffered the consequences of the Napoleonic policy against religious orders, considered as dangerous and like a disruptive force to the power of the state. This explains why many convents were transformed into prisons, schools and hospitals.
As far as the landscape is concerned, definitely worth a visit is Colle Civita, which rises on the western slope of the Alburni chain.

Ottati is a medieval town, renowned for its rustic beauty and tranquility.
Dominated on the north side by a cliff, which protects it from the cold winter climate, Ottati is located halfway between Castelcivita and Corleto Monforte, along the high rocky slopes of the Mount Alburnina, and falls entirely within the perimeter of the National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano. Its territory is largely made up by mountains rich in woods, while an hilly area is located in the south of the town. Characteristic are the superficial phenomena of karst, consisting of dolines and furrowed fields, while, in the subsoil, the caves are of great value (Grave dei Gatti, Conca di Rupistella, Grava Sarrauto). According to a memoir written by the notary Vincenzo Fasano, Ottati already existed in 1195; some others say that the first dwellings were built around the year 1000, presumably built by Greek colonists who had abandoned the ancient town of Civita, whose remains, dating back to the 8th century, are still visible.
All the churches of Ottati, like so many others, suffered the consequences of the Napoleonic policy against religious orders, considered as dangerous and like a disruptive force to the power of the state. This explains why many convents were transformed into prisons, schools and hospitals.
As far as the landscape is concerned, definitely worth a visit is Colle Civita, which rises on the western slope of the Alburni chain.