Cassano Irpino
Cassano Irpino: Between the Picentini Mountains and the Calore River
Cassano Irpino is a small Italian municipality located in the province of Avellino, in Campania. With a population of only 933 inhabitants, the town is situated between the mountain range of the Picentini Mountains and the Calore Irpino River, which is fed by numerous springs in the area.
Physical Geography
The various springs present in Cassano Irpino, such as Pollentina, Peschiera, Acqua del Prete, and Bagno della Regina, supply the aqueducts of the upper Calore and the well-known Puglian aqueduct, which provide water to the region.
The lands are used for mixed farming and produce cereals, vegetables, vineyards, and orchards, including the famous cassanesi apples and Montella chestnuts, for which the town is one of the major producers in the area.
Origins of the Name
The toponym Cassano derives from the name of the gens Cassia, an aristocratic family from ancient Rome, and the suffix -anus, which indicates a praedium Cassianum, a rural estate belonging to the same family.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Religious Architecture
The town is distinguished by the beauty of its seven churches, including the Church of San Bartolomeo, Santa Maria delle Grazie, San Rocco, Santa Maria La Longa, Madonna del Carmine, and San Pasquale.
Civil Architecture
In the upper part of the town center stands the Castle of Cassano, built by the Lombards and transformed into a noble residence during the feudal period. Today, the remaining structure surrounds a tower and is connected by an external ramp that leads to the entrance portal. The lower part of the castle has been restored and is now used for residential purposes.
Society
Demographic Evolution
Cassano Irpino has experienced a significant population decrease in recent years, but remains a very active municipality that is well integrated into the surrounding area.
Ethnic and Foreign Minorities
According to Istat data, 36 foreign citizens live in the territory of Cassano Irpino.
Languages and Dialects
In addition to Italian, a variety of Neapolitan dialect called Irpino is spoken in Cassano Irpino.
Administration
Mayors
Other Administrative Information
The municipality of Cassano Irpino is part of the Terminio Cervialto Mountain Community, which brings together various municipalities in the area with the aim of coordinating environmental, tourist, and cultural policies.
Sports
There are numerous sports facilities in the municipal area, including a swimming pool, a multipurpose gym, a park equipped for Callisthenics gymnastics, several football fields, and a lake for sport fishing.
Conclusion
Despite being a small municipality, Cassano Irpino is characterized by an abundance of natural and architectural beauties. The presence of mountains and surrounding rivers makes the town an ideal place for outdoor activities, while the numerous churches and historical monuments bear witness to the long history of this community.
