Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo
Discovering Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo: history and monuments
Hello everyone, today we will talk about Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo, a town in Campania with about 2000 inhabitants and linked to the history of the Montevergine Sanctuary. Let's start with its history: the village of Ospedaletto has medieval origins, and was initially known as "Fontanelle". Later, the town was moved near the Church of Santa Maria del Preposito, being renamed "Casale di Santa Maria del Preposito". In the 14th century, the population moved to the area of the current Rione Terra, where the Montevergine hospital was located.
As we know, the historical center of Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo reflects the typical architecture of the villages in Irpinia, with its cobbled stepped streets. But now let's move on to the monuments and places of interest that can be visited.
Religious architectures
The Mother Church, dedicated to Saints Philip and James, represents the hub of the town. The church has three naves and presents three altars for each lateral nave. It dates back to 1404 but has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, due to earthquakes that compromised its structural integrity. Among the works of art preserved inside, there is a painting depicting the "Assumption of the Virgin" and a wooden choir in walnut from the 17th century.
The complex of the Congrega del SS. Rosario, attached to the Mother Church, dates back to the end of the 16th century and preserves several works of art, including the wooden choir in walnut. The Congrega del SS Sacramento, also attached to the Mother Church, dates back to 1619 and presents some 18th-century canvases on the walls.
The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, located in the hamlet of Casale, has a peculiar history: it dates back to 879, although its name changed in the 17th century to Santa Maria degli Angeli. After various historical vicissitudes, the church definitively collapsed in the 1950s due to road works. After the earthquake of 1980, the population of the hamlet requested the reconstruction of the church, which was realized starting from 2001 and inaugurated in 2006.
Finally, along the pilgrimage path that leads to Montevergine, you can admire two chapels: the Scalzatoio chapel, dating back to the 12th century, and the Immaculate Conception chapel, built in the 17th century.
Other interests
In addition to religious architectures, Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo offers some very suggestive natural attractions. For example, you can take excursions to Mount Cervialto, a mountain 1,809 meters high that offers breathtaking views of Campania. Mount Cervialto is a destination for hikers and nature lovers, and during winter it is possible to practice skiing.
Furthermore, during the summer period, it is possible to visit the San Clemente Oasis, a green area equipped with tables and chairs to spend days outdoors. The San Clemente Oasis represents an important tourist resource for Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo and its community, which organizes events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Finally, for food and wine enthusiasts, the town offers several local specialties, including delicious cavatelli with beans, fusilli with pork ragout, and the famous "vino d'angio".
Conclusions
In conclusion, Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo is a town that still preserves the atmosphere of the historical villages of Campania. The presence of important historical monuments, such as the Mother Church and the Montevergine Sanctuary, makes this town an ideal place for art and history lovers. At the same time, the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and the San Clemente Oasis are important attractions for those who love nature. Finally, local gastronomy offers the opportunity to taste the authentic flavors of Campania's cuisine, which has long been one of the region's strengths. If you are thinking of organizing a day trip, Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo could be the destination for you!
