Pietrastornina
Pietrastornina: The Story of a Campanian Town
Welcome to Pietrastornina, an Italian municipality located in the province of Avellino in the Campania region. With its 1437 inhabitants, this town is a hidden gem nestled amongst the mountains. Its history dates back to the early Middle Ages when the castle of "Petra Sturmina" served as the territorial boundary of the great court of "Monte Virgine". In November 774, the Lombard prince Arechi II donated this territory to the female monastery of S. Sofia in Benevento. Since then, many historical events have contributed to shaping the town we know today.
The Location and Altitude of Pietrastornina
Pietrastornina is located in the foothills of the Partenio mountain range, a massive mountain at the center of the Campania region. The highest peak of this mountain is the Acerone di Avella, which reaches 1,598 meters. The altitude of Pietrastornina varies depending on its geographical location. For example, the hamlet of Toppa Riviezzo (which houses an old telecommunications tower) reaches an altitude of 1,483 meters. The hamlet of Starza, on the other hand, is located on the border with Altavilla Irpina, just over 200 meters above sea level.
The Bordering Towns of Pietrastornina
Pietrastornina borders several towns and cities, such as Summonte, Sant'Angelo a Scala, and Pannarano. Other municipalities that share the valley boundary are Altavilla Irpina, Roccabascerana, and Arpaise. The latter is a town in the province of Benevento and confirms the territorial position of the municipality of Pietrastornina, which is located exactly along the border between the two interior provinces of Campania.
The Historical Settlement of Pietrastornina
The urban genesis of Pietrastornina dates back to the ancient practices of medieval settlement when internal populations of the Italian peninsula climbed the hill ridges, abandoning the Roman communication routes. The city of Benevento, during the Lombard domination, promoted the spread of fortified settlements that could act as a crown and defensive redoubts to the main center. The settlement of Pietrastornina formed around the emerging rock, and its name, which was "Petra Sturmina" (stone that defends), was later vulgarized to "Pietrastornina."
The Churches of Pietrastornina
In the small town of Pietrastornina, nestled between the rock and the rushing waters of the San Martino Stream, there are two churches. The first is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, while the other is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. These historic churches are evidence of Pietrastornina's long history and religious culture.
In summary, Pietrastornina is a Campanian municipality that extends along the border between the provinces of Avellino and Benevento. Its history dates back to the early Middle Ages when the settlement of "Petra Sturmina" formed around the emerging rock. Today, the town houses several historic churches, such as those of Saint Bartholomew and Saint John the Baptist, and is located in the foothills of the Partenio, one of Italy's most beautiful mountain ranges. If you happen to visit Campania, don't miss the opportunity to visit Pietrastornina and discover its ancient history.
