The village of Terra Murata in Procida

About this activity

The hamlet of Walled Earth, an ancient medieval center built on the highest point of theisland of Procida, is an ancient medieval citadel built on a tuffaceous ridge about 90 meters above the sea.

To access the Terra Murata hamlet, one must walk up a fairly steep slope and through ancient portals that were the ancient entry points: the Iron Gate and the Gate of Mezz'Omo.

History of the village of Terra Murata

The hamlet of Walled Earth was the first settlement of theisland of Procida. It owes its name to the houses leaning against each other that almost seem to form a wall crossed only by very narrow alleys.

The village was thus built to defend against Saracen invasions, and pirates such as the infamous "Barbarossa" or the Corsair Dragut, who attacked the island in 1544.

In the 16th century, Cardinal Innico d'Avalos of Aragon had the village fortified, and the Avalos Palace as protection from pirate attack. Noteworthy is how the facade from on the sea has an austere and imposing appearance, while the one that looks over the village of Marina della Corricella Is more nuanced and gentle.

Why visit the Borgo di Terra Murata

You cannot visit Procida without seeing Walled Earth. The best choice is to visit the village on foot, in order to observe the wonderful panorama of the Gulf of Naples. Not to be missed is the Avalos Palace, initially a defensive dwelling then became a prison.

Curiosities about the Borgo di Terra Murata

Before Terra Murata, this hamlet was called. Terra Casata, as it was the only inhabited spot on the island, shelter par excellence because it was located on the upper part of the island, accessible through the Gate of Mezz'Omo And from the drawbridge.

With the fortification of the village by Cardinal d'Avalos, Terra Casata became Terra Murata i.e. "walled land," whose only access was the Iron Gate.