Castelvetere sul Calore
Castelvetere sul Calore: an enchanting village in Campania
Castelvetere sul Calore is a splendid municipality in the province of Avellino in Campania, with a population of around 1504 inhabitants. Here, nature reveals all its beauty, offering a breathtaking spectacle that extends to include 28 surrounding towns. In this article, we will see some of the most interesting places and monuments of this charming village.
Physical Geography
Territory
Castelvetere sul Calore, formerly known as Castelvetere di Calore, is located at the foot of Mount Tuoro, which reaches a height of 1424 meters. Its territory covers 17.17 km² and has 1569 inhabitants. The town is crossed by the Calore Irpino river and sits at 750 meters above sea level. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills and the presence of several watercourses.
Climate
The climate in Castelvetere sul Calore is pleasant, with mild temperatures and moderately abundant rainfall. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and rainy.
History
The history of Castelvetere sul Calore dates back to the first barbarian invasions. In 991, the town was donated to the monastery of San Benedetto in Salerno, and then passed through several hands until it was sold to Giuseppe de Beaumont in 1684, who became the Baron of Castelvetere. The name of the municipality, "castrum" and "vetus" (Old Castle), derives from the presence of the Lombard castle that was built in this place. The castle was then rebuilt and became the Mother Church of Castelvetere, dedicated to the Assumption. The municipality was one of the first in Italy to build a cemetery outside the urban center.
Symbols
The coat of arms and the flag of the municipality of Castelvetere sul Calore were granted in 2018. The flag is a blue banner.
Monuments and places of interest
Castelvetere sul Calore boasts numerous monuments and places of interest that are definitely worth visiting.
The Sanctuary of Maria Santissima delle Grazie is the most visited monument in the village and attracts many tourists. It is a diocesan sanctuary dedicated to the patron saint of the town, celebrated on April 28 and July 2. Inside, there is a precious triptych from the 15th century.
The Cemetery Chapel, the first in Italy, was built before the Saint Cloud Edict, on the orders of Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies. The inscription at the entrance of the monument attests to its historical importance.
The Church of San Michele, where a hermit once found refuge, offers an enchanting panoramic view.
The Ripa in the historic center of the town houses the oratory dedicated to the Madonna del Monte Carmelo, which was once the seat of the confraternity.
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its 18th-century bell tower, is another monument of interest to visit.
The Fontana dello Zoppo, built in local stone at the beginning of the 20th century by Mayor Antonio D'Agostino, was once a public washhouse.
The Convent of San Martino is located in the locality of Macchiusanella.
The Church of San Lorenzo.
In the lower part of the town, the Calore River is ideal for picnics and outings, while in the upper part of the town, there are the Civitella and Tuoro mountains, which attract lovers of tracking and mountaineering.
In conclusion, the village of Castelvetere sul Calore is one of the most beautiful towns in Campania and offers numerous places of interest and monuments to visit. Its history, culture, and natural beauty make it an ideal place to spend a vacation of tranquility and discovery.
