Sant'Agata de' Goti, the tuff terrace at the foot of Mount Taburno

About this activity

Sant'Agata de' Goti is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the Campania: located in the Sannio, at the foot of the Mount Taburno, this little gem is perched on a hill by tuff overlooking two streams.

The first to conquer what was once known as the village of Saticula were the Romans In 313 B.C., after winning the battle against the Samnites; here a real colony of'Empire, wanted by Octavian Augustus.

The history of the village

The citadel has gone through different historical phases: during the domination longobard incredibly flourished and new foundations began to be laid both culturally and geographically; Roman town planning, in fact, disappeared to make way for the Lombard buildings, whose peculiarity lay in the fact that these incorporated recycled parts of other buildings, such as temples or basilicas. Also built were the farms, still existing today and anticipating modern farms, at the time consisting of homes and farms.

The city, in fact, is characterized by an area modern, built around the end of the 19th century, and the other dating back to the Romans, built on the tuff terrace. In the surrounding areas, which are mainly hilly, there are various quarters and also the farms that originated in Lombard times.

After the Lombards came a succession of different peoples, including the Normans, the svevi and the angevins. The village is also acquired by the most powerful feudal families of Naples, lastly the Carafa family.

Become episcopal see since the 10th century: some of the best-known bishops include. Felice Peretti, which later became pope Sixtus V, e Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, also known for writing the famous song Christmas "You come down from the stars". This period also coincides with Norman rule, during which a fortress and plans for the construction of the Cathedral and other sacred structures.

The origins of the name

There are several versions regarding the origin of the name Sant'Agata dei Goti. In Lombard times the village took on only the first part of its present name, in fact it is thought that it was the brothers Radoaldo and Grimando of the court of Arechi I of Benevento, who lived in the gastaldia by St. Agatha's, to want to dedicate the city's name to the santa Catania. Later, probably in Norman times, the toponym "of the Goths" was added because the city was long a fief of the French family De Goth.

What to see in Sant'Agata dei Goti

Given the great historical and cultural baggage that this village holds, a visit to the town could be an excellent opportunity to take a real trip back in time: you will feel as if you are entering a reality in which time has stood still and has preserved unchanged every corner, from which it exudes legend and antiquity.

The Ducal Castle

The Ducal castle has long been the residence of principles and noble lineages. It was first built by the Longobardi and then modified in Norman times and also over time by the rest of the successive owners. The structure stands in front of the Church of San Menna and once upon a time towered over it the hill of the "Guard". Of the four towers once existing has come down to us only one, which was formerly used as a prison. On the second floor of the castle is a wonderful display of frescoes of painter Tommaso Giaquinto.

Churches

In St. Alphonsus Square you will find the Cathedral of the Assumption, the city's most important house of worship. The church was built on the foundations of an ancient Roman temple: at the entrance you will be greeted by a porch of twelve columns, while on the sides you can admire the eighteenth-century chapels and the altars at marble. Among the chapels, the chapel of St. Anne's, inside which is a marble altarpiece depicting the Holy Family and realized by John Baptist Antonini. Below the church is a crypt On whose walls ancient frescoes can still be glimpsed.

The Church of St. Menna, dedicated to a hermit, was built at the behest of Robert the Norman and still retains the gateway of original entrance with two lionheads. Thanks to 20th-century restorations, important architectural and historical elements of the structure have been reconstructed. Churches worth visiting include that of theAnnunziata and of St. Francis.

The Diocesan Museum and the Bishop's Palace

The Diocesan Museum, inaugurated by Bishop Mario Paciello in 1996, is part of the complex that includes the church of St. Mary of Mount Carmel and the Bishop's Palace. The museum is dedicated to Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, bishop of St. Agatha's, and is divided into two exhibition sections.

The first section displays works of sacred art, manuscripts and liturgical texts, materials from various churches in the diocese, a Wooden Madonna and the remains of a grave 14th century. The second section, which is located inside the Palace, is dedicated to St. Alphonso and allows visitors to visit his room, his personal belongings, the hall with the coats of arms of the 68 successive bishops and a series of 17th-century frescoes.

The Bridge over the Martorano

Not to be missed is the walk along the Bridge over the Martorano, which enjoys a lovely view of the entire downtown and the hamlet. We also suggest you follow the route at night, as the night lights recreate a fairy-tale atmosphere among the small houses in the village and the panorama Is even more striking.