Ispani
Welcome to Ispani: the pearl of the Gulf of Policastro
Hello everyone! Today I am going to tell you about a small town in the province of Salerno, Campania: Ispani. With its 970 inhabitants, Ispani is an ideal destination for those looking for a bit of tranquility away from the smog and chaos of the big cities.
Physical geography: the heart of the Gulf of Policastro
Ispani is located in the center of the Gulf of Policastro, in an area known as Bussento. The seismic classification defines it as zone 2 with medium seismicity, and the PCM Ordinance 3274 of 20/03/2003 confirms it. So, you're safe!
History: between Normans and Carafa counts
The first traces of populations in the territory of Ispani date back to the Norman era, and the toponym (also in the form of "Hispani") seems to derive from the surname Spano, of Greek origin. In the Middle Ages, Ispani was born as a hamlet of Policastro, but the main settlement was located on the seashore, as the economy was mainly based on fishing.
However, due to the raids of the pirates and malaria, the population took refuge in the Capitello hill, where the castle of Roger I of Sicily was located. A watchtower, built by the Aragonese in the 16th century, confirms the importance of defending the coastal territories from the Saracen danger.
Ispani temporarily disappeared after being destroyed by the pirate Dragut Pasha in 1557, and this explains the different names given to the settlements on the hill (Sant'Agata, Forli, Casale delli Spani). In 1660, Ispani had only 50 inhabitants. However, over time, the town repopulated and grew exponentially, reaching 671 inhabitants in 1790.
In addition to the Norman and Aragonese presence, the history of Ispani is also influenced by the Carafa Counts. In the 16th century, these nobles fled from the nearby malaria-infested Policastro Bussentino to settle in the Capitello village. Even today, it is possible to see the remains of their palace built in the past, thanks to restorations and modernizations.
Ispani today: a lively and active town
Today, Ispani is a lively and active town, especially in summer. On its blue coast, it is possible to find beautiful beaches and cliffs, where you can spend a day at the sea or practice underwater activities. But not only that: the town is also rich in historical and artistic traditions.
In the historic center, for example, there is the Church of San Giovanni Battista, with its wooden dome and decorations in zecchino gold. Furthermore, during the patronal festivities, the streets of the village are filled with stalls and street artists, offering visitors an unforgettable spectacle.
Ispani is also an excellent starting point for excursions to discover the surrounding territories. There are many plant and animal species to observe, such as varieties of orchids or otters that populate the Bussento river. There are also hiking trails suitable for all levels of physical fitness.
Conclusion
Dear friends, I am convinced that Ispani can represent an excellent tourist destination for those looking for relaxation and tranquility, but also history, culture, and nature. I hope I have intrigued you enough to make you want to visit this small town in the Gulf of Policastro. I guarantee you won't regret it!
