Baselice
Baselice: a mountain town in Campania
Welcome to Baselice, a mountain town in the province of Benevento, Campania. This peaceful town has around 2,092 inhabitants and is located 620 meters above sea level. Its privileged location offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, with an altitude variation of almost 700 meters.
Physical geography
The territory of Baselice is mostly limestone-clay and slightly unstable, especially on the Adriatic side. The town is situated on the left bank of the Fortore River, between the river itself and its tributary, the Cervaro. The highest peak in the area is Mount S. Marco, which stands at 1,007 meters above sea level. Not long ago, the territory of Baselice was known for two mineral water springs: a ferruginous one in Scaletta, and a sulphurous one called Acqua di Puccini, in Costafilaccia.
History
The name Baselice seems to come from a basilica built in the area by Septimius Severus. During the Norman period, the town was called Basilicae, while under the Angevins the form Castrum Basilicis began to emerge, eventually becoming today's Baselice. However, there are alternative theories on the origin of the name, which could come from the Byzantine Basilici, or the Lombard Basilicus.
According to an inscription found, it seems that in the area of Porcara there was the ancient Samnite city of Murgantia, conquered by the Romans in 296 BC. Then, over the centuries, the territory of Baselice came under the domination of the Mastrali brothers and then the Angevins. A part of the town with the castle of Porcara passed to the Badia Sofiana of Benevento, while the other became the property of Santa Maria a Mazzocca in Foiano di Val Fortore. In the eighteenth century, the town expanded thanks to the inhabitants of the villages of Porcara and Monte Saraceno, now destroyed. In 1727, a landslide buried almost the entire town, and many historical events followed until Baselice became part of the Province of Benevento in 1861.
Conclusions
Baselice is a small mountain town in Campania, with a long and fascinating history. Its geographical position makes it an ideal place to enjoy nature and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Despite being a relatively small town, it offers many opportunities for tourists, such as hiking trails and mineral water springs. So, if you are looking for a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature, Baselice is the perfect place!
