Prata Sannita
Prata Sannita: a hilly village surrounded by nature
Prata Sannita is a delightful hilly village located at an altitude of 333 meters, in the Media Valle del Volturno, in the province of Caserta. The surrounding territory is characterized by the beauty of nature and the lush greenery of the hills. Its location, situated on the southern slope of the Matese, at the foot of the rava of Monte Favaracchi (m.1219), makes it a charming place to visit.
The municipality has two residential nuclei of different origins: the medieval Prata Inferiore, with the fortified village and the imposing castle, and the more recent Prata superiore, built on a plateau dominating the plain. Thanks to its two different souls, the village offers the opportunity to discover the charm of history and culture, but also to fall in love with nature and the beauties it can offer.
Origins of the name and ancient history
The name of Prata Sannita derives from the Latin toponym "Prata-orum", as evidenced for the first time in 958 in the "Chronicon", a document found in the monastery of San Vincenzo al Volturno. The territory of Prata has always favored human settlement, as demonstrated by the ancient flint tools found and studied by volunteers from the local Archaeological Group in Pantani Fragneto, not far from the ruins of the ancient Monastery of St. Augustine.
The territory has been inhabited by various populations over the centuries, including the Sanniti, the ancient inhabitants of the area. As evidence of this presence, there is still visible the megalithic wall presumably used as a small temple, located in a dominant position over the plain below in Cerasa. After the Sannitic Wars, Prata also underwent the influences of Roman domination, as demonstrated by the findings by volunteers of the Prata Sannita Archaeological Group of abundant ceramic materials and muaric structures pertaining to rustic villas dating back to the 2nd century BC and the 3rd century AD.
Wonders to discover
Prata Sannita is a small treasure of the Campania region, which is worth visiting to discover its natural and cultural beauty. History and archeology enthusiasts will be fascinated by the ancient history of the village, while nature lovers can enjoy long and pleasant walks in the splendid hills. Moreover, Prata Sannita is famous for its honey production and excellent typical Campanian cuisine.
Among the main attractions of the village, the fortified village located in medieval Prata Inferiore certainly stands out. The thick walls and ancient stone houses, now skillfully restored, tell the story of a bygone era. Next to the village, we find the castle, an imposing fortress that dominates the city and offers stunning views of the Volturno valley.
If you love nature instead, you cannot miss a walk in the Monte Favaracchi forest, on the slopes of which Prata Sannita is located. Here you can admire beautiful panoramic views and discover the varied flora and fauna of the place. There are also no shortage of water sources, such as that of San Felice, from which pure and fresh water flows all year round.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Prata Sannita is a small jewel of Southern Italy that offers pleasant surprises to those who visit it. Its hillside location, immersed in nature, makes it a perfect place to relax and disconnect from the daily frenzy. Discovering its ancient origins and savoring the flavors of local cuisine is a unique experience that I recommend everyone to experience at least once in their life.
