Cimitile
Cimitile, between history and spirituality
Cimitile is a town in the metropolitan city of Naples, Campania with almost 7,000 inhabitants. Located in the Nola Area, Cimitile was the site of important battles and events during Italian history, but it is mainly known for its cultural and spiritual heritage.
Physical geography
Located northeast of Naples, Cimitile is nestled in a hilly area in the heart of Campania. The city is easily accessible from the nearby highway and is a sought-after tourist destination.
Origins
Cimitile has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by various archaeological finds. It once housed a temple of Hercules, perhaps identifiable with the one described in the Abellanus Cippus, the most important document in the Oscan language.
The cult of San Felice
In Roman times, the region was occupied by a necropolis, where Saint Felice of Nola, a highly venerated saint, was buried. On his tomb stood the square mausoleum, one of the first Christian memories of the area. The primitive church of San Felice was not enough to contain the enormous influx of faithful, so in the fifth century, a new basilica was erected, funded by the Gallo-Roman nobleman Ponzio Meropio Paolino. The building was decorated with precious marbles and frescoes, had three naves, and ended with a tricorps apse. An atrium with fountains connected the new basilica to the old one. The basilica of San Felice became one of the main places of worship and pilgrimage of Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages.
From the Middle Ages to modern times
After being part of the Duchy of Naples, Cimitile became one of the hamlets of the County of Nola in Terra di Lavoro. In the seventeenth century, Cesare Riccardi from Cimitile became one of the most famous bandits in the Viceroyalty of Naples, until he was killed by the troops hunting him. Later, the preposito Carlo Guadagni started a recovery of the Cimitilese monumental site and wrote an important work of religious history, "Nola Sacra", a source for local history. During the Neapolitan Republic, Cimitile adhered to revolutionary ideals and suffered the harsh Sanfedista reaction. In the Napoleonic period, many ecclesiastical properties were expropriated, and feudal rights were abolished. In 1808, Cimitile became an autonomous municipality, as evidenced by a convention signed by Prince Fabio Albertini. In 1820, the riots of Nola marked the beginning of the Italian Risorgimento, and Prince Fabio Albertini played an important role during the constitutional government as a diplomat, opposing the Holy Alliance.
Spirituality and culture
Cimitile is mainly known for its rich spiritual and cultural tradition. The basilica of San Felice is one of the most important places of worship in the area and attracts many faithful and tourists every year. Moreover, the Museum of San Felice houses a collection of sacred art that gathers masterpieces from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. In addition to the rich religious history, Cimitile boasts important cultural traditions, such as the Sagra della Radicola, a culinary event characterized by the tasting of local roots.
Conclusions
Cimitile is a town that has preserved and enhanced its history and spiritual and cultural tradition. Every year, many faithful and tourists visit the basilica of San Felice and the Museum of San Felice to admire the artistic and architectural heritage of the area. Furthermore, Cimitile boasts a unique culinary culture, with events such as the Sagra della Radicola, which allows visitors to discover the deep roots of the tradition of the area.
