Castel Morrone
Castel Morrone: the story of a small Italian town
Castel Morrone is a small Italian municipality in the province of Caserta, Campania, home to 3586 people. Despite its modest size, Castel Morrone is an ancient town with a fascinating and eventful history.
A town with ancient origins
Also known as Morrone in Terra di Lavoro, Castel Morrone is located 10 km north of Caserta and still retains the structure of the Pagus Tifatinus with nine Fundus of Sannitic memory. At the foot of Mount Castello, there are megalithic or polygonal walls dating back to the 7th and 6th centuries B.C., within which lies the ancient city of Plistica – a bridge for Sannitic expansion to conquer Capua and Cuma. Castel Morrone has seen armies from all over the world march through its territory, from the oldest such as the Etruscans and the Samnites, to the Allied armies of the last World War.
Morrone in Terra di Lavoro: the duchy of the Kingdom of Naples
Morrone in Terra di Lavoro was a prestigious duchy of the Kingdom of Naples, whose holder was entitled to the title of Noble Neapolitan Patrician. In addition, Garibaldi's southern campaign during the Risorgimento had its focal and decisive point at Morrone Castle, affecting the outcome of the Battle of the Volturno, which led to the unification of Italy. General Garibaldi called Morrone "the Thermopylae of Italy".
The historical buildings of Castel Morrone
Castel Morrone has many historical buildings, such as the small church on the Castle dedicated to the protector Madonna called del Castello, which happens to be the oldest building. Apart from the ruins, the church dates back to 1113 and is attributed to Santa Maria De Murrone. The Ducale Palace, now owned by the municipality, was built in its newest part at the beginning of the second half of the seventeenth century by Onofrio di Mauro to celebrate the acquisition of the noble title of Duke of Morrone in 1662. The beautiful bell tower of the Church of the Annunciation was built in 1692 and is more than 34 metres tall. The ancient Palazzo Bonito, built in the mid-eighteenth century, housed a gentleman named Francescantonio Bonito, who, even though he had only a portion of the Duke's wealth, allowed himself to compete in luxury to have companions for his consort – such as servants, drivers, and a private chaplain.
Castel Morrone: An ancient city-state
Morrone in Terra di Lavoro is considered one of the oldest Universitas Civium, perhaps coeval with the first ever, dating back to 1280.
In summary, despite being a small town, Castel Morrone has a fascinating and eventful history. From its ancient origins to the presence of armies from all over the world, from the Risorgimento to its ancient historical buildings, Castel Morrone is a perfect destination for lovers of history and culture.
