Lauro
Discovering Lauro: the city surrounded by mountains
If you're looking for a peaceful holiday destination immersed in nature and far from city chaos, then Lauro is the place for you. This small town, with a population of approximately 3285, is located in the heart of the province of Avellino in Campania, in the well-known Vallo di Lauro.
Physical geography
Geographically, Lauro is situated in a beautiful wooded valley, surrounded by a chain of mountains, the most important of which are Pizzo d'Alvano (1133 m) and Monte Cresta (1108 m). Despite the presence of these mountains, the inhabited area is located at a low altitude, between 150 and 250 m, with the town hall at 192 m above sea level. The city is located along the main road and alongside it flows the Regio Lagno, an artificial drainage channel for mountain water which creates a unique natural setting.
History and origin of the name
According to oral tradition, Lauro has a mythical origin. The city was said to have been founded by Hercules, who after visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum, arrived in a place in this territory called Fregonia. Here, the population welcomed him with branches of laurel, which led Hercules to rename the city. This tradition is reported by Remondini in "Della nolana ecclesiastica storia".
The earliest evidence of the urban agglomeration by the Romans is one of the oldest in the city. In the Middle Ages, Lauro was owned by principalities and duchies of southern Italy, including the Principality of Salerno, the Principality of Capua and the Duchy of Benevento. In 1057 it was conquered by the Normans with Riccardo I of Aversa, Count of Aversa, who elevated it to a county and donated it to Roberto Sanseverino.
The Sanseverino family dominated the territory for a long time, until it passed into the hands of Frederick II of Swabia and then to many other local princes and counts. Finally, it was purchased by Scipione Pignatelli and the Lancellotti marquises, who held it until the abolition of feudalism in 1806.
The story of Umberto Nobile
The history of Lauro has also seen the involvement of characters of great cultural importance. Among these is Umberto Nobile, professor of Aeronautical Constructions at the University of Naples Federico II, as well as general of the Italian Air Force (Engineering Corps) and designer of airships.
Nobile made his town famous thanks to two extraordinary aeronautical feats, carried out in 1926 and 1928 when he managed to land airships at the North Pole. Nobile took inspiration from his hometown to design these feats, reusing the name of Lauro and other territories in Vallo during the expansion of airships.
Conclusions
In summary, Lauro is a city that has much to offer to those who appreciate nature and the relationship with the environment. Surrounded by mountains, it represents the symbol of the beauty of Campania. Its history, dating back to ancient Rome, has seen the presence of great personalities, including Umberto Nobile. Come and visit Lauro and take the opportunity to experience its history and discover its landscapes.
