Bellizzi Irpino
Bellizzi Irpino: a village with ancient history
Bellizzi Irpino is a hamlet of the city of Avellino, located 3 km from the city center. With a population of 842 inhabitants, Bellizzi is situated on a hill at the foot of Mount Faliesi, at an elevation of 392 m. It borders the municipalities of Aiello del Sabato to the east, Contrada to the south, and the Rione san Tommaso of Avellino to the north. The hamlet is reachable via the state road that connects Avellino to Salerno, called the "Via dei Due Principati".
The name "Bellizzi" derives from the ancient "Casale delle Bellezze". Here, the Caracciolo nobles hosted the ruling cousins of the Two Sicilies who came to Avellino from Naples.
The history of Bellizzi Irpino
The village was mainly inhabited by farmers and construction workers. Its economy was predominantly agricultural. Despite repeated attempts to merge with the capital municipality already initiated during the 19th century, Bellizzi maintained its municipal autonomy until 1938. With the Royal Decree of July 12, 1938, the municipality of Bellizzi, which at the time had 864 inhabitants, was annexed to that of Avellino, lacking "means to adequately provide for public services". With the establishment of the districts provided for by law 278/1976, it was inserted into the VII District of the city of Avellino, together with the neighboring hamlets of S.Oronzo and Cretazzo.
Places of interest in Bellizzi Irpino
Via Giancola is the main street of Bellizzi Irpino, where the former town hall (later the district headquarters) and the church of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli are located. Right in front of the church of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, there is also the Church of Purgatory, headquarters of the homonymous Confraternity founded on December 8, 1865. The complete lack during the Middle Ages of any form of public assistance and the most elementary guarantees, especially for the most disadvantaged part of the communities, largely persisted until quite recently, and at the same time, the need to work well for the love and fear of God, were the main motivations that induced Christians to associate themselves to help each other.
In the upper area of Bellizzi, there are prefabricated buildings designed to accommodate the earthquake victims of the Irpinia earthquake of 1980, which are still inhabited.
The nature surrounding Bellizzi Irpino
Bellizzi Irpino is surrounded by hazelnut groves, on which the agriculture of the area is based. Furthermore, the hamlet is located in a privileged position at the foot of Mount Faliesi, which allows for hikes and enjoyment of the surrounding nature.
The folk traditions of Bellizzi Irpino
Bellizzi Irpino has a tradition related to the Palio della botte, of which it won the inaugural competition in 1998 with the historic name of "Bellezze". The Palio della botte is a competition among the various hamlets of the territory, where participants must run a course while carrying a wine barrel.
In conclusion, Bellizzi Irpino is a village with a long history behind it. Despite becoming a hamlet of the city of Avellino in 1938, Bellizzi has maintained its traditions and distinctive character that make it a unique place. With its hazelnut groves, hikes on Mount Faliesi, and the Palio della botte, Bellizzi Irpino is a perfect place for anyone looking for a combination of natural beauty and local tradition.
