Melito Irpino
Discovering Melito Irpino
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk about Melito Irpino, a small town in Campania with a population of 1773. I have always been fascinated by the history and geography of small Italian towns, where you can breathe in the true atmosphere of tradition and local culture. So, I went in search of information about Melito Irpino and discovered many interesting things that I want to share with you.
Physical Geography
The historic center of Melito Irpino is crossed by the Ufita river, a tributary of the Calore Irpino. Once, this inhabited center was the beating heart of the town, but it is now abandoned. The modern town, on the other hand, is surrounded by a green pine forest and is located on a hill overlooking the same valley as the Ufita. Isn't it romantic to imagine strolling through the trees and enjoying the panoramic view that the place offers? Personally, I love walks in nature, it's good for the soul!
History
There is so much history hidden in Melito Irpino, it's hard to summarize it all! Let's start with the origins of the town, which date back to the Roman era. In 1880 some tombs were discovered, an extensive building used as a thermal place, a small temple, a statue depicting a wolf embracing a tree, inscriptions, fragments of pottery, lamps, pipes with Samnite marks and Roman coins of republican and imperial times. According to some hypotheses, it could be the Samnite city of "Meles", destroyed by the troops of Claudius Marcellus and Quintus Fabius during the Second Punic War in 215 BC.
In the medieval era, the village is referred to as a whole fiefdom in the twelfth century, at the beginning of the Norman monarchy. In 1862 the town changed its name to "Melito Valle di Bonito" and had a new administrative aggregation until 1923. Throughout its history, the territory of Melito was passed down by inheritance, saw the passage through various noble families and underwent the abolition of feudalism. In short, a treasure trove of history that is worth appreciating carefully!
The end of Melito Vecchia
Did you know that, before abandonment, the historic center of Melito had a typical medieval urban plan, with a dense interweaving of buildings, alleys, and stairways that surrounded the castle? At that time, the town center was Piazza Vittoria, where the population gathered after attending mass. The square was separated from the Ufita river by a small bridge, still existing. Today, the old town is just a shadow of its past splendor, but it can be suggestive to visit in order to immerse oneself in the history of the town.
Conclusion
Melito Irpino is a town with a millennial history, where it is possible to discover traces of the past and enjoy the beauty of nature. Personally, I really like the idea of being able to walk among the trees in the pine forest and savor the tranquility of the landscape. I recommend that everyone go and discover the small Italian towns, because they hide many wonders and are a reflection of our culture and traditions. What do you say, did I make you want to visit Melito Irpino?
