Morra De Sanctis
Morra De Sanctis: A municipality rich in history and culture
Morra De Sanctis is a small municipality located in the province of Avellino, in Campania. The current name was assigned in 1934 in honor of the writer and politician Francesco De Sanctis, who was originally from the area. The origins of Morra are very ancient and testified by archaeological finds in the area. From the Norman period until the Eversion of feudalism, the town was ruled by various baronial families, including the Zurlo and Caracciolo.
Ancient and medieval history
Morra De Sanctis is located in an area of great strategic importance. Evidence of the Samnite presence in the area can be found in the high valleys of Ofanto and Sele. During the wars between the Lombards, Byzantines, and Saracens, Morra was a fortified stronghold between the two principalities of Salerno and Benevento. In the 13th century, the fief of Morra also extended to the provinces of Teora, Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi, Lioni, and reached as far as Vallata and Frigento.
The plague and devotion to San Rocco
The plague of 1656 touched the town, however, the devotion for San Rocco, patron saint of the city, grew among the inhabitants. Even in 1837, the arrival of cholera did not cause significant damage. But in 1854, a new epidemic caused the death of ninety people in less than two months.
Honors
In 2012, Morra De Sanctis was awarded the title of "Green Flag", a recognition that rewards virtuous Italian municipalities for the environmental quality of their territories.
Society
Today, the municipality of Morra De Sanctis has 1123 inhabitants, most of whom are elderly. In recent years, the municipality has made several investments to improve the quality of life for residents and promote economic growth in the area. However, like many municipalities in southern Italy, Morra De Sanctis is still struggling with the exodus of young people to the big cities in the north.
Demographic evolution
The population of Morra De Sanctis has experienced a significant decline in recent decades, dropping from 3874 inhabitants in 1951 to 1123 in 2021. Despite this depopulation phenomenon, the municipality has created several activities to encourage young people to stay in their territory.
Monuments and places of interest
Morra De Sanctis is a municipality rich in monuments and places of interest that tell the rich history and culture of this territory.
Religious architecture
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul dates back to the 11th century and was rebuilt after the 1980 Irpinia earthquake. The Church of San Rocco, built in the 17th century, is a place of great devotion for the inhabitants of Morra De Sanctis. This church was also rebuilt after the 1980 earthquake. The Church of the Madonna di Montecastello, built in 1902, is another important place of worship in the municipality.
Morra De Sanctis is a municipality worth visiting, not only for the beauty of its monuments and religious traditions, but also for its ancient history and millennial culture.
