Mirabella Eclano
Welcome to Mirabella Eclano: a tour of the medieval village in Campania
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Mirabella Eclano, a municipality of about 6,775 inhabitants located in the province of Avellino, Campania.
Physical Geography
Mirabella Eclano is located between the Calore Irpino basin and the Ufita valley, in the historical-geographical district of Irpinia. The minimum altitude of its territory is 400 m above sea level, and the maximum is 665 m above sea level. The district of Santa Caterina is located at 530 m above sea level, offering a splendid view of the city below. The town is located in a seismic zone and suffered a serious earthquake in 1980 that caused many deaths and homeless.
Climate
Mirabella Eclano is an Apennine inland area, which means that its climate is characterized by significant temperature variations, less rainfall and ventilation than coastal areas. Slope breezes at night are typical of the area, but there are also temperature inversions with significant temperature drops during winter. Snowfall is not uncommon, increasing with altitude, while nocturnal frosts are frequent.
History
The urban nucleus of Aeclanum was located in the Mirabella Pass area and already existed in the time of the Samnites, who were subsequently Romanized. In the 2nd century, Aeclanum became a Roman colony and was an important stopping point on the ancient Appian Way. With the establishment of Christianity, it was the episcopal seat, and its bishop Giuliano strongly opposed Augustine of Hippo.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire and the advent of the Lombards, the village underwent many vicissitudes and was destroyed by the Byzantine army of Constans II in 663. Mirabella Eclano then became a poor village called "Quintodecimo" before becoming "Aquaputrida" and finally "Mirabella" in the 14th century. The Irpinia and Benevento earthquake in 1702 severely damaged the village, leading to the reconstruction of the entire settlement.
Monuments and attractions
Mirabella Eclano is a medieval village that still preserves many historical landmarks. Its historic center extends over the Castello hill and is characterized by narrow alleys, staircases, and arches. The church of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli (13th century), the church of San Pietro (14th century), and the baronial castle (12th century) are just some of the attractions you can find in the village.
If you love outdoor walks, you can visit the Picentini Mountains Natural Park, which offers a splendid panoramic view of the mountains of Irpinia and Sannio.
Local cuisine
You can't talk about an Italian town without mentioning the local cuisine. Mirabella offers some deliciously tasty specialties that are worth trying. In particular, meat-based dishes are very popular, such as Lucanian sausage, homemade cooked ham, and lamb ragù.
Conclusion
I hope this brief guide has given you an idea of what to expect in Mirabella Eclano. If you love medieval villages, history, and good food, you will surely fall in love with this enchanted place. Come and visit us and discover for yourself all the treasures that Mirabella Eclano has to offer!
