After the traumas of the Second World War and the damage caused by the earthquake of 23 November 1980, the Church of Santa Maria della Purificazione in Vetranto, in Cava de' Tirreni, an ancient parish dating back to 1000, underwent a significant restoration. Consecrated by the bishop mons. Orazio Soricelli on 1 February 2012, the church was reopened for worship. However, time and neglect have caused the loss of many works of art due to destructive vandalism. The community of Castagneto has appealed to the Municipal Administration for the improvement of the road that connects Via Antonio Orilia di Castagneto to the church before its reopening.

The history of the church dates back to the 10th century, when it came under the control of the Benedictine Abbey of the Santissima Trinità di Cava. Its importance is demonstrated by the precious marble furnishings, including the tombstone of Abbot Paschasius from 554 AD, kept in the atrium of the Bishop's Palace in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III. Abbot Pascasio, who died at the age of ninety, was not the founder but the Abbot of the church of Vetranto, indicating that the church had already existed for some time, perhaps before the 10th century. Over the years, ministers of the church have also had spiritual responsibility for Molina since 1050. The Church of Santa Maria della Purificazione in Vetranto, with its rich history and recent restoration, continues to play a central role in the life of the community.