Grottaminarda
Grottaminarda: a place to discover
Have you ever heard of Grottaminarda? It is a municipality located in the province of Avellino, in Campania. With a population of about 7659 inhabitants, the "grottesi" (as its inhabitants are called in dialect) are known for their hospitality and spontaneity.
Physical geography
Grottaminarda is located in the central-northern sector of Irpinia, in a strategic position in the Campanian hinterland. The town is located at the entrance to the middle valley of the Ufita, on the edge of the Catauro and Tamauro hill ridges.
Hydrography
The Ufita river flows along the municipal territory, which is a tributary of the Calore Irpino river. If you are a lover of hiking and nature walks, you could organize a trip to discover these territories, perhaps having a picnic by the river.
Seismology
Not everyone knows that the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology has its own headquarters in Grottaminarda, along with a center for Seismology and Seismic Engineering. The center, through a seismic monitoring room, collaborates in the development of a national seismic network which allows for the immediate automatic localization of seismic events that occur within the national territory.
Climate
The climate of Grottaminarda is temperate, characterized by cold winters and mild summers. Precipitation is not very abundant but snow is possible during winter.
Origins of the name
According to the most accredited interpretation, the name of the municipality is a compound of "grotta" and a medieval person's name "Maynardus", of Germanic origin. However, there are also other fanciful interpretations such as its derivation from a cave dedicated to the goddess Minerva (Cripta Minervae).
History
If you are passionate about history, I recommend visiting Grottaminarda to discover its millenarian history.
Middle Ages
During the Norman conquest of southern Italy, and throughout the 12th century, its name is linked to the figure of Trogisio de Cripta and his family, who held it in feud until the beginning of the 13th century.
Modern age
The municipality was heavily damaged by the 1732 Irpinia earthquake, but managed to recover and become the capital of a district within the Ariano district during the Kingdom of Two Sicilies.
Contemporary age
In the 1960s, many of the citizens of Grottaminarda participated in the Garibaldi uprisings, stealing two shipments of arms destined for the Bourbon army and participating in the assault on the great Bourbon stronghold of Ariano Irpino. Their struggle for the independence of southern Italy has left an indelible mark in the history of the region.
If you are lucky enough to visit Grottaminarda, you could immerse yourself in its culture by visiting the crypt dedicated to San Clemente, the patron saint of the town, or admiring the Baronial Palace of the Dukes of Grottaminarda, built by the d'Aquino in the 13th century.
Furthermore, you cannot miss the opportunity to taste the delicious fried pizza of Grottaminarda, a specialty of the area.
In summary, Grottaminarda is a recommended place for those looking for culture, history, nature, but also for those who want to enjoy the true hospitality of southern Italy. I suggest visiting this little pearl of Irpinia, I'm sure you won't regret it!
