Dai Puddicchi - Cilento House
Our Story: A Nest of Hospitality in the Heart of Cilento
Our story begins two hundred years ago, when Francesco and Angela, residents of Cuccaro Vetere—a small village nestled in the lush Cilento region of southern Italy—gave rise to what would become the large family known as the Puddicchi. They lived near the charming panoramic square of San Nicola dei Greci, where the breathtaking view stretches from Mount Bulgheria all the way to the Gulf of Palinuro.
In their welcoming home, nine children were born: Aniello, Mafalda, Maurina, Addolorata, Peppina, Sceppo, Pietro, Orlando, and Antonio. Over time, the family grew and today counts around 250 members.
But what does “Puddicchio” mean? In the local Cuccaro dialect, “Puddicchio” means “chick.” This affectionate nickname was given to our family because of its remarkable size—so yes, you are truly surrounded by “Puddicchi”!
Our holiday homes are located in the historic house where the eldest son, Aniello di Puddicchio, grew up with his wife Francesca. During more than 75 years of marriage, they “raised” seven children: Angelina, Antonio, Petruccia, Peppino, Franco, Paolina, and Silvia, passing down a spirit of hospitality and togetherness that still defines us today.
The house, once made up of just two small rooms—a bedroom and a living room, now transformed into the “U’Suppigno” apartment—holds precious stories and memories. The kitchen, originally separate and now the “A’Fornacella” apartment, had its entrance on the quaint San Nicola dei Greci street. In the early 1900s, there was no real bathroom; instead, the family used “A’Muscitura” in the garden. Only in the 1970s was a small bathroom built on the bedroom balcony, marking the arrival of modern comforts.
In the garden, among fruit trees and a lively chicken coop, fresh eggs were gathered daily to enrich the family table. And then there was the guest of honor: Aniello di Puddicchio’s donkey, who for nearly a century occupied the most exclusive spot in the house, “U’Uttaro.”
Today, by staying “Dai Puddicchi,” you don’t just experience the magic of an authentic place—you become part of a story woven from tradition, simplicity, and heartfelt warmth.
Welcome home!
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The vacation home A'Sartània is located in a charming village and is spread over two levels. On the lower level, there is a cozy living room, perfect for relaxing and enjoying pleasant leisure time. Additionally, there is a bathroom complete with all necessary amenities. On the upper level, you will find a splendid panoramic bedroom that offers a view of the Cilento's natural surroundings. This accommodation option allows guests to enjoy privacy and tranquility, making their stay unforgettable.
On the lower floor of the building, the room housed "U’Ciuccio" who helped Aniello to transport the wood from one part of the town to the other. The room overlooks the San Nicola dei Greci square and the vegetable garden inside the building. The room is characterized by the huge "living" rock wall on which the house rests and in the past a castle, in the highest part of the historic center of Cuccaro. To do: (1) admire the rock face in silence.
On the central floor of the building, the room had an oven inside where dozens and dozens of loaves were baked at least once a week. At that time there were no flues, which is why there is still a hole next to the entrance to the apartment where smoke could clear the room. It is the room that has a double terrace, one overlooking the San Nicola dei Greci square and the other facing the garden and the panoramic view. Spoiled for choice in deciding where to spend your relaxing moments.
Characteristics of this room are the view towards the mountain, through the huge window, the view towards the sea from the balcony and the view towards the San Nicola dei Greci square.
To do: (a) Look at the Gulf of Palinuro from the crack crossing the room, (b) have breakfast on one of the two large terraces.
On the upper floor of the building, this room once housed the entire family throughout the day. It was the kitchen, which was originally accessed only from the street, and where once they cooked exclusively on the flames of the fire. Aniello prepared the "carcàra re fuoco" (he prepared the fire and made it burn) and Francesca slowly placed her "Tiella" on the "Trippete" waiting for the water to boil to lower "I maccaruni". The kitchen was the place where all family life took place and represented the strategic point where all the information of the country arrived with cosmic speed, thanks to the comings and goings of the local ladies.
Characteristics of this room are the view towards the mountain, through the huge window, the view towards the sea from the balcony and the view towards the San Nicola dei Greci square. The charm of being able to dine on a family relic accompanied by the lights that caress the sloping wooden roof.
To do: (a) a shower with the window open watching the sunset in the distance over the Gulf of Palinuro. (b) Look out from the balcony and admire the colors at sunset.
On the upper floor of the building, the room occupies what was once the living room and bedroom. On the “suppigno” the family kept the foodstuffs useful to feed the many children or to give to the other inhabitants of the place. Where there is now a design staircase, there was a huge sofa that on occasion became a super bed for all the children. On the other side of the room, leaning against the stone wall, was the "Sunday" table where we ate with all the children, relatives, wives, grandchildren ... every Sunday or on festive occasions. Oh well yes ... that table is still there to support your Cilento lunches and dinners.
Features of this room are the beautiful wooden roof and the huge balcony with breathtaking views of Mount Bulgheria and the view as far as the Gulf of Palinuro and the Christ of Maratea.
The charm of being able to eat on the same "Buffetta" (table) where you ate every Sunday as if you were family and to relax in the huge shower under a chestnut wood roof.
Dai Puddicchi invites you to experience the spirit of a large family, deeply rooted in local values such as dedication to work, integrity, and genuine hospitality. The Puddicchi have always been a point of reference for the community of Cuccaro. During your stay, feel free to ask us anything—you’ll find us happy to share anecdotes and stories about our family and life on the charming Via San Nicola dei Greci over the past century. You can also ask the locals in the neighborhood or in the village square: the “Puddicchi” are everywhere!
Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this enchanting place, where time seems to slow down and cool evenings ensure a truly restful sleep.
Cilento: Nature, History, and Adventure in the Heart of the Mediterranean
Cilento is a land of extraordinary beauty in southern Campania, between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Apennine mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage territory is a mosaic of landscapes: long golden beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, gentle hills covered with olive trees, and ancient hilltop villages where time seems to stand still.
Nature reigns here: the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park preserves unique biodiversity, with trails winding through forests, crystal-clear rivers, and mysterious caves. The WWF Oasis of Morigerati offers an immersive experience among waterfalls, nature trails, and the Bussento river spring—perfect for families and nature lovers.
For trekking and cycling enthusiasts, Cilento is a true paradise: there are many scenic routes across the area, such as the “Via Silente,” a cycling itinerary of over 600 km that reveals hidden and evocative corners. Don’t miss the spiritual trails, like the Cammino di San Nilo, which blends faith, history, and nature.
The gorges of the Calore river and the spectacular caves of Castelcivita and Auletta offer unique thrills with excursions, rafting, and underground adventures. History and art lovers can visit the majestic Certosa di Padula, one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe, and the archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia.
The clear, unspoiled sea boasts some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches, from Palinuro to Marina di Camerota. Local traditions shine in the cuisine, renowned for its authentic products and as the birthplace of the Mediterranean Diet.
Visiting Cilento means immersing yourself in an authentic atmosphere, full of hospitality, simple flavors, and unforgettable scenery. It’s a place to rediscover the pleasure of slowing down and to be surprised by the magic of the South.
Via San Nicola Dei Greci, 13 - Cuccaro Vetere (SA) - Directions
National identification code IT065049C2RX5JJEHO
Regional identification code 15065049EXT0011
