Alvignano
Alvignano: a Campanian oasis of 4,500 inhabitants
Alvignano is a town of about 4,500 inhabitants located in the province of Caserta, in the Campania region of Italy. Thanks to its location, this town offers various natural beauties and is surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Physical Geography and Climate
Located at the foot of the Colli Caprensi or Monti Trebulani, the territory of Alvignano presents flat, hilly and mountainous areas. From Selvapiana with its beautiful broadleaf forest that extends to the banks of the Volturno river, to Montaniccio, a plateau of the Caprensi mountains, a forest area as well as an agricultural character: Alvignano can truly offer unique and unparalleled views.
The climate is typical of the municipalities of the Campania Plain: summers are characterized by hot and humid weather, while winters are moderately cold with rare snowfalls, but always with clean and regenerating air.
History
Alvignano is a town with a long and rich history. It descends from the ancient city of Cubulteria, with the name taken from the prominent figure in the imperial era of Rome in the 2nd century, Marco Aulo Albino, procurator with the first cohort of the Breuci and patron of Alife and Cubultreria in Rome. The villages were formed after the destruction of Cubulteria in the 8th-9th century by the Saracen invasion. The first inhabited nuclei were formed at the foot of the Caprensi hills or Monti Trebulani about to the west of the destroyed city of Cubulteria. The new center was a fief of the Normans, Angevins and Aragonese. It was owned by numerous and important families, among which were the Origlia, De Clavellis and finally the Gaetani dukes of Laurenzana. This last one had dominion over the land of Alvignano until the end of feudal servitude in 1806. Between 1800 and 1900, the small villages merged along State Road 158 giving rise to the current urban agglomerate, although some of them still retain an isolated position from the town like Marcianofreddo.
From 1927 to 1945, it belonged to the province of Benevento, after the temporary suppression of the province of Caserta in fascism.
The Tragic Incident of World War II
During World War II, Alvignano played an important role. Thanks to its strategic location, the German command resided there, with General Heinrich von Voltinghoff choosing Villa Ortensia as the command center, which is currently the town hall. There were a total of tragic Nazi casualties in Alvignano, 21 to be exact. Today, the commemorative icons scattered throughout the center tell the story of that episode.
Typical Festivals
Like every community, Alvignano has its own festivals and traditions. One of the most important, which attracts many people both from the town and neighboring municipalities every year, is definitely the festival of San Nicola, which usually takes place the weekend before December 6th. On this occasion, the streets of the town are filled with many people who come from all over to enjoy the most heartfelt festival of the town. The procession, which carries the statue of the saint through the streets of the village, is the central element of the festival.
Another important festival is that of San Sebastiano, between the end of August and the beginning of September. Here, the celebrations take place between processions and parades that cross the town.
Handicrafts and Typical Products
The inhabitants of Alvignano are ceramicists and skilled craftsmen. Among the typical handicraft elements of Alvignano are definitely the artistic creations that can be purchased in the San Mauro district.
The gastronomy of Alvignano is very rich: among the excellences there are certainly the bread of Alvignano, mozzarella and a great variety of homemade first courses, such as fresh pasta with sausage and porcini mushroom sauce, a delicacy capable of delighting the palate of its visitors.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Municipality of Alvignano represents a Campanian oasis, surrounded by hills and rural landscapes, and endowed with a historical-cultural heritage of great value. Furthermore, the presence of many artisanal activities and local cuisine characterize the Municipality of Alvignano as a place to visit, even just for a few days, appreciating its nature and enjoying the typical flavors of the Campania region.
