Mugnano del Cardinale

Welcome to Mugnano del Cardinale!

Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Mugnano del Cardinale, a small municipality in the province of Avellino, in Campania. Mugnano is a magical place, rich in history, and I can't wait to show it to you.

History

The history of Mugnano del Cardinale is very interesting. It is said that the name of the town derives from the Roman deity Jupiter Ammon, to whom a temple was probably dedicated on the Litto hill. However, many other theories circulate about the origin of the name. What is certain is that Mugnano has very ancient origins, and the first documented notice of its existence dates back to the distant 1135.

Mugnano del Cardinale: History, Legends, and Attractions.

The legend of Saint Philomena

Mugnano del Cardinale became famous all over the world thanks to the remains of Saint Philomena, which arrived in the town in 1805. The girl, who was said to be a martyr, immediately became an object of worship, and it was Ponzetti, the custodian of the relics, who claimed that the girl could not have been more than fourteen years old. The girl was buried with a vase of blood, and upon her arrival in the town, a series of miracles occurred. Saint Philomena has become the patron saint of youth, expectant mothers, and prisoners.

Monuments and places of interest

Shrine of Saint Philomena

But the real attraction of Mugnano is the Shrine of Saint Philomena, the main sanctuary in the world dedicated to this Roman saint. Its façade overlooks the road that leads from Irpinia to Nola, and has two identical bell towers, one on the right and one on the left. Here you will have the opportunity to admire the statue of Saint Philomena and to pray in the beautiful basilica.

Castle of the Litto

If you love history and ruins, you must visit the Castle of the Litto, at 753 meters above sea level. Here there are a few ruins built with freshly hewn limestone stones. The first historical records of the castle date back to the 14th and 18th centuries.

Conclusions

I would say that Mugnano del Cardinale is a truly magical place full of surprises. The atmosphere here is unique, and you can't wait to immerse yourself in its history and beauty. I invite you, therefore, to visit this wonderful town in Campania, and perhaps to pray to Saint Philomena for the future!

Francesco Serra
Updated Thursday, Nov 10, 2022