Aquilonia

Aquilonia: a town with a lot of history

Aquilonia is a small town located in the Campania region of Italy, in the province of Avellino, with only 1485 residents. The town has had many names throughout its history, with its civic emblem saying "Carbonara". It was originally called Carbonara due to the presence of stones in the territory that would light up with intense flames similar to charcoal. After the unification of Italy, and in order to distance itself from its anti-unitary past, the community requested and obtained permission to change its name to Aquilonia. The town has a rich history, and if you want to know more, keep reading!

The history of Aquilonia

The history of Aquilonia is lost in the mists of time. The town, like many other places in Italy, can boast a solid Roman presence.

During the period between 1743 and 1746, Aquilonia's territory was subject to the jurisdiction of the "regio consolato di commercio" of Ariano Irpino, in the province of Principato Ultra. After the Irpinia and Vulture earthquake of 1930, the town was completely rebuilt in a higher location than the original one. The old town center was abandoned after the war, but a few ruins remain which are still the object of study and recovery.

Aquilonia: history and treasures of Campania.

The symbol of Aquilonia

The emblem and the banner of Aquilonia were granted by decree of the President of the Republic on March 25, 1998. The banner is a yellow drape, symbolizing the sun that illuminates and gives life to the city.

Monuments and places of interest

Aquilonia is a town that boasts many monuments and places of interest to visit. The archaeological park, with its ruins of old Carbonara, presents the original urban layout in an intact state. Inside it is the Museum of Itinerant Cities, forming a whole in the cultural path that the local Association for the Management of the Ethnographic Museum "Beniamino Tartaglia" offers to visitors.

Near the Abbazia di San Vito, of high medieval age, stands a centuries-old oak tree called the "oak tree of San Vito," one of the monumental trees of the Campania region. The Carmine Crocco park, instead, is a green oasis that offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a corner of peace and tranquility in the town center.

Aquilonia also offers many opportunities for excursions and trekking; among the most suggestive destinations is the Aquilaverde artificial lake, created by the San Pietro dam. It is about 3km from the town center and extends over the territories of Aquilonia, Monteverde and Lacedonia.

Conclusions

Aquilonia is a small town but rich in history and places of interest to visit. Over time, the town has managed to renew itself and adapt to change, while still maintaining its bond with history and tradition. If you want to discover new places and learn about precious locations, don't miss the opportunity to visit Aquilonia!

Francesco Serra
Updated Friday, Aug 5, 2022