Camerota and Its History

The exact founding date of the village is unknown, but it is believed to have developed around the 10th century, like many other nearby settlements. This theory is supported by the fact that the area was already experiencing significant migratory flows, mainly from nearby Calabria, led by Italo-Greek monks.

The establishment of the Principality of Salerno and the land redistribution policies carried out in the Cilento region undoubtedly encouraged the area’s population growth. The first Baron of Camerota documented in historical records is Sarolo (Sarulus de Cammarota), mentioned in 1116. He was followed by Ruggiero di Camerota (Rogerius qui dicitur de Cammarat(a), dominus de Corbella), recorded in 1144, and Florio di Camerota, who was born around 1120 and died sometime after 1189. Florio was an important official in the Norman Kingdom.

Turkish Raids and the Role of Placido di Sangro

The fall of Constantinople in 1453 marked the beginning of Turkish dominance in the Mediterranean, leading to a period of crisis for the Kingdom of Naples. Camerota suffered devastating Turkish raids in 1543 and 1552, during which the castle was attacked and set on fire. At the time, the Lord of Camerota was Placido di Sangro, a highly educated nobleman, who was a member of the Academy of the Sereni, along with his friend Ferrante Sanseverino, Prince of Salerno. Both were appointed as ambassadors of the Neapolitan people to Emperor Charles V, seeking assurances that the Inquisition Tribunal would not be established in Naples.

In 1552, Placido di Sangro officially inherited the Barony of Camerota, but just two months later, the territory was once again ravaged by the Turks. A painting dated 1560, located in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Camerota, depicts Placido di Sangro at the feet of the Virgin, flanked by Saint Anthony and Saint John, who is seen placing a hand on his shoulder.

Camerota in the 19th and 20th Centuries

In 1828, Camerota played an active role in the Cilento uprisings (Moti del Cilento), which were part of the broader revolutionary movements against the Bourbon monarchy. In 1860, it became the capital of its own district, within the Vallo della Lucania district. Later, in 1929, the neighboring municipality of Licusati was merged into the municipality of Camerota, shaping its modern administrative structure.