Piana di Monte Verna
Piana di Monte Verna, a charming small town
Piana di Monte Verna is a small and charming town located in the province of Caserta, in Campania. With its 2051 inhabitants, it offers a calm and peaceful atmosphere with a rural air that makes it perfect for those who want to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city. The locals are very welcoming and always available to chat with tourists.
Physical geography
The municipality is located at the foot of Mount Monti Trebulani and extends over an area of 23 square kilometers, about 15 kilometers northeast of Caserta. From here, you can admire a breathtaking view of the surrounding plain. It is 84 meters above sea level, reaching a minimum altitude of 21 meters in the plain and 592 meters on Mount Villa Santa Croce. The Volturno river flows south of the territory, making the view even more suggestive.
History
According to Monsignor Bernardino Di Dario, author of ''Historical Notices of the City and Diocese of Caiazzo'', the Casale of Piana di Caiazzo (now Piana di Monte Verna) did not exist in the 10th century. From the documents of the Capitolare Archive, however, it is evident that the first references date back to 1205 in a parchment where a land located in the Piana di Caiazzo to Sant'Angelo is mentioned. From Di Dario's writings, it can be deduced that the villages that make up today's Piana di Monte Verna were formed in different eras after the year 1000. Starting from 1567, Monsignor Fabio Mirto united three parishes, those of Sant'Angelo ai Martelli, San Silvestro a Vascelli and Sant'Andrea, under the current Church of the Holy Spirit.
Furthermore, in the Diocese of Caiazzo, there were two houses of the Order of Saint Benedict, that of Sclavia and that of Santa Croce Montis Vernæ. Presumably, the current fraction of Villa Santa Croce, which bears the same name as the Benedictine Abbey, arose after it.
Tourist attractions of Piana di Monte Verna
Despite its small size, Piana di Monte Verna offers several tourist attractions. At the top of Mount Trebulani, for example, there is a sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna della Grotta. From here, you can admire a breathtaking view of the underlying plain. The Church of the Holy Spirit, where three parishes were united in the past, is one of the most important buildings in the city. Inside, you can admire a valuable marble altar. In addition, in recent years, further tourism projects have been developed in which biodiversity and local products are valued, such as the creation of a park and a museum dedicated to the burrata cheese.
Agricultural activity of Piana di Monte Verna
The most important activity in the area is undoubtedly agriculture. The main crops are vegetables, fruit, and vines that produce the famous local wine, Piedirosso. However, the breeding activity has slowly begun to develop thanks to the creation of an experimental buffalo farming, which has led to the introduction of another local product, the buffalo burrata.
Cultural and religious events
Piana di Monte Verna is a city very closely linked to the religious tradition. Among the most significant events are the procession of the Madonna della Grotta, which takes place every year on the third Friday of September, the feast of San Silvestro, which is celebrated on December 31st, and Holy Week, during which the city comes alive with processions of rare charm and beauty.
Conclusions
Piana di Monte Verna, with its natural beauty and its historical treasures, is an ideal destination for those seeking a place to relax and enjoy an authentic and welcoming atmosphere. The beauty of the view from the Sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna della Grotta, the magnificence of the Church of the Holy Spirit, and the delicious cuisine are enough incentives to visit this little gem of Campania.
