Ariano Irpino
Ariano Irpino: A Strategic City in Campania
Located in the province of Avellino, in Campania, Ariano Irpino is a small city with great historical and geographical significance. The city was known as "Ariano di Puglia" until 1930, but has always been referred to as "Ariano" in historical sources and in the local Arianese language.
Physical Geography
Ariano Irpino is situated between the Apennines, at the crossroads of ancient paths, and has had great strategic importance since the High Middle Ages. The city is located in the northern sector of Irpinia, in a baricentric position between the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas, with a vast rural area rich in springs. The city's territory includes the main saddle of the Campanian Apennines, through which dozens of kilometers of watershed line pass between the two seas.
Recognized by law as a mountainous territory, Ariano Irpino has a series of layers of detrital rocks with variable altitudes between 179 and 811 meters. The landscape is green, with deep valleys, cliffs and large undulating plateaus in the extreme north-eastern sectors. There are also narrow alluvial plains located on the opposite edge. One of the most interesting points in the territory of Ariano Irpino is the sulfurous water between the districts of "Pignatale" and "Santa Regina" and a small sauce that flows at the foot of the sanctuary of San Liberatore, in the locality of "Acquasalza".
Seismicity
Ariano Irpino is located near the northern margin of the seismic district of Irpinia and has been hit by several earthquakes including that of 1349 and 1688 in neighboring Sannio.
The History of Ariano Irpino
Ariano Irpino is a city with a long and important history. During the Middle Ages, the city became the seat of the diocese and county of Ariano, gaining strategic importance for its geographical position. King Roger II of Sicily, who held the famous Assise of Ariano, renowned for the art of Arianese majolica, rewarded the city with the title of "City of Italy" and leading entity within the regional hinterland, in direct contact with Puglia.
Culture and Traditions
Ariano Irpino is a city particularly rich in traditions and culture. There is an artistic and cultural heritage of inestimable value that includes the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its bell tower (9th century), the Castle, the Church of San Domenico, the Church of San Francesco, the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie, the Baronial Palaces, and the public fountain "dell'orologio". Ariano Irpino is also famous for the production of ancient ceramics and majolica, an art that has ancient roots and is passed down from generation to generation. Every year the city celebrates the Feast of Ceramics, the most important event in the town, where ceramists from all over the region showcase their most beautiful and original creations.
In conclusion, Ariano Irpino is a small city with a historical and artistic heritage of inestimable value, boasting a strategic geographical position and picturesque scenery. Every year, the city celebrates a ceramic festival that attracts many people from all over the region. If you have the opportunity to visit this splendid city, do not miss the beauty of these traditions and the magnificent view from the most panoramic points of the city.
