Having moored his boat in the little port the traveller to San Vigilio in the sixteenth century was greeted by a message inscribed on a marble plaque which beseeched him to "leave trouble and woe in the city" and to appreciate and enjoy the tranquillity of the place he now found himself in. A few centuries have passed but little changed: that same tranquillity remains.

Along the cobbled pathways and the rows of cypress trees, through the shade of the atmosphere of serenity reigns. For a few hours, or even better a few days, one can leave behind the hustle and bustle of daily life and return to the "cares and woes of the city" with a relaxed spirit.

Attracted to the charm of the place, San Vigilio has hosted

many famous guests, including the Tsar of Russia Alexander II, Winston Churchill, Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh and more recently HRH Prince Charles, King Juan Carlos of Spain and the german president Richard Von Weizsacker.

The many legends that surround San Vigilio have long aroused the interests of writers, painters and poets. One of these legends tells the story of Vigilio, a descendent of the faun Satiro, who journeyed from Sicily and upon his arrival fell in love with the nymph Stella. But not being of her kind he turned against her and transformed her into a rock. The so-called rock of Stella can clearly be seen from the Taverna of San Vigilio today.
The area has always inspired a number of poets and artists who have sung the praises of San Vigilio throughout history.