Castel Volturno
Discovering Castel Volturno
Hello everyone, today I will tell you about a beautiful commune located in the province of Caserta, in Campania: Castel Volturno. This small Italian treasure is home to a population of approximately 27,838 inhabitants and its territory is characterized by a vast coastal area included in the Gulf of Gaeta.
Physical geography
The heart of Castel Volturno is located on the left bank of the Volturno River, where it forms the last bend before heading towards the Gulf of Gaeta in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The community spans a total area of 72.23 square kilometers and boasts 25 kilometers of coastline and 10 of pine forest. The southern part of Castel Volturno's territory, such as Villaggio Coppola, Marina d'Ischitella, and Marina di Lago di Patria, are part of the Metropolitan Area of Naples and lie between the Agro Aversano and Agro Giuglianese.
History
Ancient period
Castel Volturno has a very interesting and fascinating ancient history. Its strategic importance dates back to the Opici, who made it a center for the collection and sale of goods produced throughout the lower Volturno basin. Later, the Etruscans built the city of "Volturnum," and then came the Osci.
During the Second Punic War (215 BC), the Romans reinforced the city walls to create a shelter for their fleet that was passing through to Capua, which was then occupied by Hannibal. In 194 BC, Volturnum became a Roman colony that welcomed three hundred families of Roman citizens. After the death of Gaius Julius Caesar, it was attacked by Menecrate, a freedman of Sextus Pompey, who destroyed its port. But Caesar Augustus sent a new colony of Roman citizens, and it was from that time that what we now know as the "Domitiana" road began to develop.
Middle Ages
In the fourth century, the spread of Christianity reached Volturnum, thanks to the patron saint San Castrese. This resulted in the opening of an important episcopal see from the fifth century, as evidenced by the subscriptions of Bishop Paschasius to the Roman councils of 499, 501, and 502.
With the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the barbarian invasions, along with the collapse of the Domitian bridge, Volturnum lost its prestige. In 806, Grimoaldo III, Prince of Benevento, donated the port of Volturnum to the Abbey of Montecassino. With the arrival of Arab invaders in 841, the city was devastated and destroyed.
However, after 856, Bishop Longobardi Radiperto, on a surviving arch of the Domitian bridge, built a fortified castle and rebuilt the church that housed the remains of San Castrese. In 988, the Longobard brothers Daoferi and Daoferio were the counts of Castri maris Volturni, and after 1062, the Norman Riccardo I, Count of Aversa, once again donated the castle of Volturnum to the Monastery of Montecassino.
Conclusions
Castel Volturno is a fascinating and historically rich commune that can boast a splendid geographical position and a surprising architectural heritage. There is no shortage of tourist activities to discover: among the main destinations to visit, we can include the Church of Santa Maria della Neve, the Town Hall, and the Sanctuary of Madonna del Carmine. In addition to the scenic beauty, it is possible to immerse oneself in local culture and traditions, including food, music, and local costumes. Drawing inspiration from its rich history, Castel Volturno is a meeting place between the past and the present, between nature and culture. Come and discover this corner of Campania, and we are sure you will not regret it!
