Nusco
Welcome to Nusco, the Balcony of Irpinia
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Nusco, a small town in the province of Avellino with just under 4000 inhabitants. But be careful, because this mountain town has a lot to offer and, as they say here, is the "balcony of Irpinia"!
Breathtaking Nature and Panoramas
Nusco is situated on a mountain between two rivers, the Ofanto and the Calore Irpino, and is surrounded by a spectacular panorama that extends from the massif of mount Vulture to the Monti del Partenio, passing through the Montagnone of Nusco, Terminio, Taburno, Matese, and the Monti Dauni. Don't believe it? Just climb up on the walls of Nusco's castle or stroll along the avenues that run through the town to admire this spectacular view of nature.
Climate and Altitude
Like all the municipalities in the area, Nusco has a Mediterranean climate, with cold and snowy winters and hot and dry summers. However, being situated at an altitude of about 800 meters, the temperature can drop considerably during the night, even in the summer.
History and Culture
A "Civitas" in the Middle Ages
Nusco has a long history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Already in the eleventh century, in fact, Nusco was considered a "civitas," that is, a ducal city or Episcopal seat. The first bishop of Nusco was Saint Amato, still today the patron saint of the city.
The Castle and the De' Giamvilla Dynasty
During the Middle Ages, Nusco's castle was a secure fortress that offered protection to various important figures of the time, such as William II of Apulia and Manfred of Sicily. The De' Giamvilla dynasty was a feudal family that exercised power over Nusco for several centuries. The first exponent was Filippo, dubbed Filippotto, who obtained control of the fiefdom at a young age, after the death of his father.
The Rebellion of the Nuscans
The De' Giamvilla dynasty was not always popular among the Nuscans. In particular, Filippo's wife, Ilaria De Souz, fell from grace, and in 1311 there was an open rebellion against her, during which one of her feudal vicars died. However, the family managed to maintain control of the fiefdom thanks to the protection of King Robert of Anjou.
What to Visit in Nusco
If you have decided to visit Nusco, here are some places you can't miss:
- The castle of Nusco, which unfortunately is in ruins today, but still offers an incredible view of the surrounding valley
- The cathedral of Saint Amato, which houses the sacred bones of the patron saint of the city, as well as other artistic and religious treasures
- The archaeological park of the Roman Sepulcher, where numerous artifacts from the Roman era have been found
- The remains of the Roman aqueduct, which carried water to Nusco's castle and other towns in the area
- The church of San Giovanni Battista, located in a splendid panoramic position
What to Eat in Nusco
Finally, a special mention goes to the Nuscanese cuisine, which combines flavors and ingredients from the traditional peasant and pastoral traditions of the area. Among the typical dishes to try are:
- Caciocavallo podolico cheese, made with the milk of free-range podolica cattle that graze on the mountains in the area
- Pane del Gargano, naturally leavened and baked in a wood-fired oven
- Handmade fusilli pasta, served with tomato and basil sauce or sausage and mushroom sauce
- Wild boar or pork sausage, prepared with local spices and herbs
In short, Nusco is a destination not to be missed if you want to discover the beauty and culture of Irpinia. I hope I have convinced you to organize a visit!
