The ancients venerated it as a water divinity and represented it with a prolific white beard and, in their hands, a vase where precious water was flowing.

Part of mount Paflagone, spur of Mount Cervialto, in Irpinia, the Sele with its 64 kilometres continues its way southwards, receiving in the territory of Contursi Terme its main tributary: the Tanagro.

It springs from the confluence of the streams Platano and Melandro. Then it flows in a context of great environmental value between spectacular canyons.

It rises from mont Gelbison and flows through the territory of Cilento for 22 kilometres until flowing into the sea close to Capo Palinuro.

The bridge linking Roscigno to Sacco in the territory of the latter crosses the Sammaro, exactly above the spring.

With its 37 kilometres, it is among Cilento main watercourses, of which it is particularly rich. It rises from the slopes of mount Cervati, 900 metres of altitude from the spring of Varco La Pela in the municipality of Sanza.