Monteforte Irpino
Monteforte Irpino: an ancient and historic city
Monteforte Irpino is a beautiful Italian commune of about 11,307 inhabitants, located in the province of Avellino, in Campania. The city is known for its ancient castle, from which it takes its name. Monteforte was probably an ancient Roman castrum, on which a proper castle was likely built by the Lombards. The city has a very ancient history: evidence of its existence dates back to the Second Punic War, when Hannibal Barca passed through while returning from Capua antica. During the Angevin period, the city passed to the Montfort princes, and the infamous Guido di Montfort resided there. In 1270, he assassinated Henry of Cornwall, son of King Richard I of England, in the Church of San Silvestro in Viterbo. Later, the feud passed to the Orsini, the last counts of Nola, who lost it for having rebelled against Charles V.
In 1799, the French established a detachment there and from there attacked Mercogliano and Avellino. The city was also a protagonist of the Revolutions of 1820-1821, when the insurgents of Michele Morelli's following hoisted the flag of freedom against the Bourbons.
Later, the city acquired the appellation of ''Irpino'' to better highlight its addition to the province of Avellino.
During World War II, the fascist regime established a detention camp in Monteforte Irpino, where Italian opponents and anti-fascists who had served long prison sentences were interned. The Monteforte Irpino camp was dissolved only at the end of the summer of 1943.
The Acqualonga viaduct massacre
On July 28th, 2013, the city was hit by a great tragedy: a coach plunged from the Acqualonga viaduct, causing the death of 40 people and injuring 8 others. This was the most serious road accident in Italy, which shook the city to its core.
Monuments and places of interest
Monteforte Irpino has a rich historical and artistic heritage, witness to its antiquity. The church of San Nicola di Bari, dating back to the seventeenth century, is adorned with some eighteenth-century paintings. The ruins of the castle and the church of San Martino constitute the most significant nucleus of ancient Monteforte, located within it.
On the hill of San Martino, surrounded by a fenced and equipped pine forest, are the conspicuous ruins of the impregnable medieval fortress, already built in Lombard times. Enlarged by the Angevins and the Aragonese, it is still possible to admire part of the perimeter walls in stonework, a circular tower, and an artistic fireplace.
Near the castle, the church of San Martino dates back to its original plan to the thirteenth century. Remodeled several times, it features a beautiful main portal, a statue depicting San Martino, a tall bell tower, and a cylindrical tiburium.
Conclusions
Monteforte Irpino is an ancient and historic city, full of suggestions that testify to a long and glorious history. The city has a cultural and artistic heritage of great value, which can be admired through the visit of various monuments and places of interest. If you decide to visit this beautiful city, make sure not to miss the church of San Nicola di Bari, the ruins of the castle, and the church of San Martino, endowed with unparalleled beauty. In every corner, Monteforte Irpino offers visitors a breathtaking view and unforgettable memories.
