Serra
Pratola Serra: an ancient Campanian town
Pratola Serra is a town located in the province of Avellino, in Campania, with a population of approximately 3597 inhabitants. The hilly territory of the town lying in the Sabato river valley hosts two distinct settlements: Serra di Pratola, the oldest part, and the residential area of Pratola located on the right bank of the Sabato river. In recent years, the development of numerous hamlets such as San Michele di Pratola, Acquaviva, Saudelle, Scoppole and Cocciacavallo have been witnessed.
The history of Pratola Serra
The name of the town derives from the Latin "pratulum", meaning "small meadow". The territory has been inhabited since prehistoric times and in feudal times it belonged to different families, including the Tocco di Montemiletto family. In 1812, the current municipality was created by the union of Pratola and the castle of Serra. During World War II, the town suffered many civilian and military casualties. In 1943, a German artillery bombardment on the city caused the death of 10 citizens and the injury of many.
Monuments and places of interest in Pratola Serra
The town boasts numerous monuments and historical places of interest, including the Castle of Serra, now incorporated into successive buildings called "Tratti del Castello". In 1981, during excavations for the installation of prefabricated buildings for the earthquake victims of Pratola Serra, a church dating back to the Lombard era (5th-7th century) and the remains of an ancient Roman villa with annexed thermal baths were discovered.
Industry in Pratola Serra
The territory of Pratola Serra already has a decent industrial past thanks to a paper mill that operated until 1953. In the last twenty years of the 20th century, important industrial settlements developed in the territory of the town. In 1980, thanks to the joint venture between Alfa Romeo and Nissan Motor, a plant for the production of automobiles was built in the flat part of the town. Subsequently, following the commercial failure of the Alfa Romeo Arna car on the same site, Fiat built a Motori modulari FIAT Pratola Serra.
Traditions and folklore in Pratola Serra
Pratola Serra boasts a rich folkloric tradition and every year, during the Monday of the Angel, the Calata degli Angeli is celebrated. Three children dressed as angels are suspended from a wooden support held taut by ropes between the houses of central Via Roma, before the procession in devotion of the Madonna di Montevergine and the Risen Christ.
In summary, Pratola Serra is an ancient Campanian town that boasts numerous historical monuments and places of interest, as well as a thriving industrial activity. The town has a very rooted culture and tradition, celebrated every year during the Calata degli Angeli.
