Novi Velia
Welcome to Novi Velia!
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a small Italian town located in Campania, just a few kilometers from Vallo della Lucania: Novi Velia. With its 2300 inhabitants, Novi Velia may seem like a quiet village, but it has an interesting history and offers fascinating landscapes.
Geography of Novi Velia
Novi Velia is located in the valley of the Badolato stream, at an altitude of 648 meters above sea level. From here, you can access the provincial road that leads to Mount Gelbison, which is 1705 meters high, and the sanctuary dedicated to it. The nearest weather station is in Casal Velino. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of +8.7°C, while August is the hottest with an average temperature of +25.7°C.
History of Novi Velia
Antiquity and Middle Ages
Novi Velia originated during the Byzantine period, on the ruins of an ancient Enotrian fortress that had been reinforced by the Greeks of Velia to control the Velian chora. The nearby place names of Salella and Salento suggest the presence of a Lombard feudal lord who ruled the area. In the 13th century, Novi was part of the Norman fiefdom called "di Novi", which included five lands such as Novi, Cuccaro Vetere, Gioi, Magliano Vetere, and Monteforte Cilento. At that time, it was a fiefdom of the Della Magna family, of clear Germanic origins.
Modern age
Novi Velia was the capital of the "State of Novi", which included 13 hamlets like Vallo della Lucania, Cannalonga, Ceraso, and others. The barons of Novi had prestigious roles and positions in the court of the Kingdom of Naples, such as Marzano or Antonello Petrucci. However, the direct involvement of the barons in the affairs of the kingdom resulted in a lack of attention for the town and its inhabitants, which led to abandonment of the places, depopulation and famine.
Despite everything, between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, several bishops of Capaccio and Vallo made Novi a bishopric. In 1614, the State of Novi was sold to Giacomo Zattara, of a family of Genoese origins, and subsequently, the baronial palace was built by the Zattara in 1759. With the unification of Italy in 1860, Novi was renamed Novi Velia.
What to see in Novi Velia
Novi Velia not only offers an interesting history but also beautiful landscapes. One of the main points of interest is certainly the Sanctuary of Mount Gelbison, where you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view. The parish church of Santa Maria dei Lombardi is also a must-see, where you can observe the tombs of some bishops from past epochs. The baronial palace of the Zattara, built in the eighteenth century, is another example of interesting architecture.
How to get to Novi Velia
If you want to visit Novi Velia, there are several ways to get there. If you are in Vallo della Lucania, just take the provincial road towards Mount Gelbison for 3 kilometers, and you will arrive in Novi Velia. If you are in Salerno, you have to take the state road 18 towards south and follow the signs for Vallo della Lucania, then take the provincial road for Mount Gelbison.
In addition, the nearest airport is Naples, from which you can reach Novi Velia by car or using public transport.
Conclusion
In summary, Novi Velia is a fascinating town that offers a very interesting history and beautiful landscapes to explore. In addition to the main points of interest, there are also local traditions to discover, such as typical culinary products. If you are looking for a quiet holiday destination rich in culture, Novi Velia is the right choice for you. Come and visit this charming Campanian town!
