Pratola Serra
Greetings to Pratola Serra
Hi everyone! Today I want to tell you about Pratola Serra, a municipality in the province of Avellino in Campania, with a population of about 3597 inhabitants. If you like nature, Pratola Serra is the place for you, as it is located in the valley of the Sabato river and is characterized by a hilly territory.
Discovering the Territory
The town is divided into two distinct inhabited centers: Serra di Pratola, the oldest part of the municipality, is located on a hill around the medieval castle, while the residential nucleus of Pratola is located on the right bank of the Sabato river.
The town develops along the ancient road that connects with Puglia, now known as the provincial road 371. This road is the main artery of the town, with the names of Via Serritiello, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and Corso Garibaldi. In recent decades, the town has expanded and several fractions have developed such as San Michele di Pratola, Acquaviva, Saudelle, Scoppole, and Cocciacavallo.
An Ancient History
The name Pratola derives from the Latin "pratulum" (small meadow) and the name "serra" means hill or height. In the territory, numerous archaeological finds have been made dating back to prehistoric times. During the feudal period, several feudal families governed the territory until 1806 when, with the abolition of feudalism, the municipality became a single entity formed by the municipalities of Pratola and the castle of Serra.
During World War II, the municipality suffered many civilian and military casualties. In 1943, a German artillery bombing of the town of Pratola caused the death of 10 citizens and the injury of many others.
Industry in Pratola Serra
The municipality has an interesting industrial history thanks to the presence of a paper mill that operated until 1953, but it was mainly in the last twenty years of the twentieth century that large industrial plants were established. In 1980, a car production plant was built as a result of a joint venture between Alfa Romeo and Nissan Motor in the flat part of the municipality. Later, due to the commercial failure of the Alfa Romeo Arna car, Fiat settled in the same site building an important factory for engine production.
Monuments and Traditions
Pratola Serra has many interesting things to see. Recently, during excavation work for the installation of prefabricated buildings for earthquake victims in Pratola Serra, a Longobard-era church (5th-7th century) was discovered, located on a hill adjacent to the "Piazzale Mercato". In other areas, the remains of an ancient Roman villa with an attached thermal complex have been found.
Finally, on Easter Monday of each year, before the procession in devotion to the Madonna of Montevergine and the Risen Christ, the Calata degli Angeli (descent of the angels) is held: three children dressed as angels are suspended on a wooden support held taut by ropes between two houses on Via Roma.
Conclusion
Pratola Serra is a municipality that offers many opportunities for an interesting visit. From the hills of the town to its ancient history, to its traditions and historical monuments, there are many things to discover. If you have the opportunity, I recommend visiting this beautiful Campanian town.
