Serra
Discovering Pratola Serra
Hello friends, today we are moving to the province of Avellino, in Campania, to discover the Municipality of Pratola Serra. This charming hillside town has a population of 3,597 and is located in the valley of the Sabato River.
Physical geography
The territory of Pratola Serra is characterized by hilly terrain and is composed of two distinct residential centers: Serra di Pratola, the oldest part of the municipality, developed around a medieval castle; and Pratola, located on the right bank of the Sabato River and developed along an ancient road connecting to Puglia.
In recent years, the San Michele di Pratola fraction has developed extensively, while the other fractions are Acquaviva, Saudelle, Scoppole, and Cocciacavallo.
History
The name Pratola derives from the Latin "pratulum," meaning a small meadow, plural "pratula," while the toponym "serra" indicates a hill or height. The territory of Pratola Serra has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds.
In feudal times, the territory belonged to various feudal families. In the seventeenth century, it was acquired by Tocco di Montemiletto, which kept it up to the laws abolishing feudalism in 1806.
The Municipality of Pratola Serra was born in 1812 from the union of the municipalities of Pratola and the castle of Serra.
During the Second World War, the municipality suffered numerous civilian and military casualties due to a German artillery bombardment of the Pratola village, which caused the deaths of 10 citizens.
Economy
Pratola Serra has a long industrial tradition, thanks to the presence of a paper mill that operated until 1953. In the last two decades of the twentieth century, the municipality was affected by the establishment of major industries such as Alfa Romeo and Nissan Motor, which built a plant for car production.
Subsequently, following the commercial failure of the Alfa Romeo Arna, the site was transformed into a Fiat plant, which produces modular engines.
Monuments and places of interest
The Municipality of Pratola Serra boasts numerous monuments and places of interest that are worth visiting. The Castle of Serra, currently incorporated into successive constructions called Tratti del Castello, is an imposing historical building that encapsulates the history of the town.
Furthermore, during the works for the installation of prefabricated buildings for the Pratola Serra earthquake victims, the remains of an ancient church dating back to the Lombard period (V-VII century) and a Roman villa with an adjoining spa were discovered.
Traditions and folklore
Pratola Serra boasts numerous traditions and festivals typical of Campania. Every year on Easter Monday, before the procession in devotion to the Madonna di Montevergine and the Risen Christ, the Calata degli Angeli is held. Three children dressed as angels are suspended from a wooden support held taut by ropes between two houses in the central Via Roma.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Pratola Serra is a wonderful municipality in the province of Avellino that preserves a rich historical, artistic, and cultural heritage. Thanks to its traditions and its geographical position, this hillside town is an unmissable destination for those who want to discover the beauty of Campania.
