Campagna
Introduction
The Archdiocese of Salerno-Campagna-Acerno is a metropolitan see of the Catholic Church in Italy, located in the ecclesiastical region of Campania. Led by Archbishop Andrea Bellandi, the archdiocese has around 547,000 baptized Catholics out of a population of 548,900, and was created in 1986 through the union of the Archdiocese of Salerno with the Dioceses of Campagna and Acerno. The patron saints of the archdiocese are Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist for Salerno, Saint Antoninus Abbot for Campagna, and Saint Donatus of Arezzo for Acerno.
Territory
The archdiocese comprises municipalities belonging to two provinces of Campania: in the province of Salerno, the towns of Acerno, Auletta, Baronissi, Battipaglia, Bellizzi, Bracigliano, Buccino, Caggiano, Calvanico, Campagna, Castel San Giorgio, Castelnuovo di Conza, Castiglione del Genovesi, Colliano, Contursi Terme, Eboli, Fisciano, Giffoni Sei Casali, Giffoni Valle Piana, Laviano, Mercato San Severino, Montecorvino Pugliano, Montecorvino Rovella, Olevano sul Tusciano, Oliveto Citra, Palomonte, Pellezzano, Pontecagnano Faiano, Ricigliano, Romagnano al Monte, Salerno, Salvitelle, San Cipriano Picentino, San Gregorio Magno, San Mango Piemonte, Santomenna, Siano and Valva; while in the province of Avellino, the towns of Montoro and Solofra.
The archdiocese covers an area of 1,398 km² and is divided into 162 parishes, grouped into 11 vicariates: Salerno East, Salerno West-Ogliara, Battipaglia-Olevano, Buccino-Caggiano, Calvanico-Baronissi-Pellezzano, Campagna-Colliano, Eboli, San Severino-Siano-Bracigliano-San Giorgio, Montecorvino-Pontecagnano-Acerno, Montoro-Solofra, San Cipriano-Giffoni.
Ecclesiastical Province
The ecclesiastical province of Salerno-Campagna-Acerno comprises other dioceses including the Archdiocese of Amalfi-Cava de' Tirreni, the Territorial Abbey of the Holy Trinity of Cava de' Tirreni, the Dioceses of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno, Teggiano-Policastro and Vallo della Lucania.
History
The spread of Christianity in Salerno dates back to the beginning of the Christian era, as attested to by the ''Chronicon Salernitanum'' (second half of the 10th century), which provides the earliest testimony of the cult of the Christian martyrs of Salerno, Fortunato, Gaio and Ante.
Archdiocese of Salerno
The Archdiocese of Salerno has very ancient roots, dating back to the spread of Christianity in Italy. The city of Salerno is home to the Salerno Cathedral, attributed to Archbishop Niccolò d'Aiello, and is the main religious center of the archdiocese. The cathedral is a great example of medieval architecture and has been rebuilt several times after being destroyed by various fires and earthquakes.
Diocese of Campagna
The Diocese of Campagna has very ancient origins, dating back to the 7th century, when the city of Campagna was founded. The Co-Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria della Pace is one of the main places of worship in the Archdiocese of Salerno-Campagna-Acerno, located in the city of Campagna. It is one of the oldest churches in Campania and was built in the 6th century. The church features elements of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and is known for its collection of paintings and sculptures.
Diocese of Acerno
The Diocese of Acerno has ancient origins, dating back to the 11th century. The Co-Cathedral of San Donato, located in Acerno, is one of the main places of worship in the Archdiocese of Salerno-Campagna-Acerno. The church is of Romanesque architecture and features beautiful 13th century frescoes.
Conclusion
In summary, the Archdiocese of Salerno-Campagna-Acerno is a metropolitan see of the Catholic Church in Italy, with a long and ancient history dating back to the spread of Christianity in Italy. Through its cathedrals and basilicas, the archdiocese is an important place of worship that attracts thousands of faithful and tourists from all over the world every year. The archdiocese is led with great dedication by Archbishop Andrea Bellandi, who works to preserve and promote the Catholic faith in Italy.
