Calabritto
Discover Calabritto: The Municipality in Campania with the Highest Number of Waterfalls
Calabritto is a municipality located in the upper Sele valley in Campania with a population of about 2,160 people. The town sits at an altitude of 460 meters above sea level, in a hilly area at the foot of Monte Altillo. The city is famous for its numerous water sources, including the Sele River and the Zagarone stream, and its waterfalls. In fact, this town holds the record for the highest number of waterfalls in Campania, with around 14 and 23 significant drops.
Physical Geography
Calabritto is a town located in a hilly area characterized by numerous waterfalls and water sources. Among the waterfalls, the highest in the province of Avellino is that of Rivezzuolo, which has a drop of as much as 80 meters under torrential conditions.
But it's not just waterfalls; the municipality's area also includes numerous mountain peaks such as Monte Cervialto, which rises to 1,809 meters, making it the highest peak in the province of Avellino. Other notable peaks include Cervarulo, Calvello, and Altillo.
Additionally, the city hosts several ecosystems known primarily for their biodiversity, such as Piano Migliato, with its ancient and giant beech forests, Piano Sazzano with the typical "ginestreti," and Piano del Gaudo, with its dense pine forest.
Origin of the Name
The name Calabritto is thought to derive from the Latin name "Kalabrix," which refers to a thorny plant similar to the hawthorn. According to popular legend, the town's name actually comes from the presence of an innkeeper named Britta, who was very popular among the city's customers.
History
Calabritto was presumably founded during the Lombard period. In the Middle Ages, the city had a certain prominence during the Angevin and Aragonese domination. Later, after becoming a fiefdom of the Estouteville family, the city acquired the title of Duke.
During the period of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Calabritto was part of the district of Campagna del Principato Citra. After the unification of Italy, the municipality was assigned to the province of Avellino.
The Earthquakes of Calabritto
Unfortunately, Calabritto has suffered numerous earthquakes throughout its history. Among these, the most disastrous was the one in 1773, followed by the Irpinia earthquake in 1980, which completely destroyed the town, causing one hundred deaths and three hundred injuries.
Conclusion
Calabritto is a wonderful and surprising town, characterized by the presence of waterfalls and mountain peaks, as well as a long history. Additionally, the Calabritto community has shown great strength and resilience over time, particularly after the earthquake of 1980, which completely destroyed the town. Today, the town is slowly rebuilding and developing while maintaining its natural beauty.
