Painting on wet plaster is an ancient art. Centuries ago, the Greeks who founded cities here brought this mastery to Magna Graecia. It was from them that the local tribes learned to decorate simple everyday objects with ornaments and birds.
They even learned to bury their fallen warriors in beautifully painted tombs millennia ago. Hold that depth of time in your mind! Imagine the level of skill required to paint the walls of a tomb so quickly—with no drafts, sketches, or second chances before the plaster dried.
They say that in Italy, children are born as either musicians or artists. With roots like these, it’s no wonder. The land of Cilento is incredibly rich in both.
Take Piano Vetrale, for example. It feels like the middle of nowhere, hidden high in the mountains, a place only reached by those who truly seek it. Yet, it is a world-famous village of murals! Why? Because of its roots.
It was right here, in 1662, that a boy named Paolo was born. While herding goats and sheep, he would draw the faces of Madonnas on rocks. He grew up to become Paolo de Matteis, one of the greatest painters of the 17th century, whose works adorned the royal courts of Europe. His brilliant career defined the artistic fervor of Baroque Naples.
People speaking different languages do not need translators when standing before a canvas. The language of brush and color is universal. That is why, for five decades now, every summer Piano Vetrale honors its great artist with the «Golden Brush» (Il Pennello d’Oro) competition.
The walls of the houses become canvases, welcoming artists from all over the planet. The themes range from daily peasant life and zodiac signs to ancient myths, fairy tales, and reflections on modern society.
This project has completely transformed the urban landscape. It turned Piano Vetrale into a place where art, history, and daily life merge into a mesmerizing mosaic of colors and meanings.
You can easily explore the village entirely on foot, enjoying the fairytale atmosphere, silence, and rich colors—a perfect paradise for photography and street art lovers.