Convent of San Francesco in Lustra

This convent stands near the hamlet of San Martino, on the road leading to Rocca Cilento and its castle. According to tradition it was founded in 1417 by St Bernardino of Siena, with the help of some noble families of the area, whose coats of arms were carved in the most important parts of the building. Until 1871 it lay within the territory of Laureana.In 1604 it passed from the Observant friars to the Reformed friars, not without disputes, and from 1640 to 1727 it was a novitiate house. Its period of greatest splendour coincided with the extensions between the late 16th and the 17th century. We like to think of the fairs that were held nearby: we recommend a stop along the road.