Greci
Welcome to Greci: a town with ancient Arbëreshë traditions
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Greci, a town located in the province of Avellino in Campania, known for its ancient Arbëreshë traditions. Greci is a small village with only 584 inhabitants, but it is characterized by a great cultural and historical heritage.
A village immersed in nature
Greci is located at an altitude of 821 meters on a hill overlooking the Cervaro Valley. The municipal area is mainly composed of fields, pastures, and woods, including the two large forests of Porcino and Ripitella, with their interesting flora and fauna. In particular, the forests of Serrone and Monte Cervo are made up of conifers, while the Cervaro River runs alongside the municipal area, collecting the waters of numerous streams. In addition, the natural lake Luza Aquafets, with its 3500 square meters, represents an important attraction for visitors.
The climate of Greci
The climate of Greci is cool temperate, with mild and fairly dry summers and rather cold winters, characterized by moderate rainfall and sometimes abundant snow. The Ariano Irpino weather station, located nearby, is the reference for the city.
Origins of the name
The name Greci derives from the Latin Graeci, which means "Greeks," referring to the Byzantine population that gave rise to the village. The Italian-Albanian ethnic inhabitants, on the other hand, use the toponym Katundi, which in Albanian means "the village, the inhabited center."
A brief history of Greci
Greci was founded in 535 AD by the Byzantines, under the general Belisarius, who founded many colonies in Italy. Destroyed by the Saracens in 908, the village was rebuilt in 1039 on the orders of Pandolfo II of Benevento, prince of the Duchy of Benevento. During the Norman conquest of southern Italy, it became the residence of Baron Gerardo, brother of the count of Ariano, and the barony extended to include the fortified villages of Savignano Irpino and Ferrara, both located on the opposite side of the Cervaro Valley. Over the centuries, the territory of Greci suffered from the exactions of local barons and feudal lords, who limited its development.
Preserving Arbëreshë traditions
Despite the difficulties, Greci has managed to keep its ancient Arbëreshë traditions alive, unique in the whole region and protected by law. Greci has preserved over the centuries the language, culture, customs and original traditions, which today represent an important tourist attraction for visitors.
In conclusion, Greci is a small village immersed in nature, with a great history and a unique cultural heritage. If you are in the area, do not hesitate to visit this wonderful city, which will leave you with an indelible memory. Thank you for reading my article and see you soon!
