Riardo

A trip to Riardo: let's discover together this Campanian village

Welcome to Riardo, a small town located in the upper Caserta region, famous mainly for its mineral waters. Join us to discover its history and places of interest!

Physical geography

Riardo is located on the northern slopes of the Trebulani Mountains, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and immersed in nature.

Riardo: history, art, and nature at the heart of Caserta.

History

With an ancient history dating back to the 4th century BC, Riardo has been known since Roman times for its mineral waters. The castle that dominates the town, on the other hand, was built by the Lombards in the 8th century. There are also interesting legends about the foundation of the town: it is said that during the Second Punic War, Hannibal, crossing the territory of Riardo, threw salt on the village he would later call Riardum. The etymology of the name is still uncertain, but it is thought to derive from the sparkling quality of the mineral water, which would have given the impression of "burning" to those who drank it.

Monuments and places of interest

Despite its small size, Riardo offers several places of interest to visit. The unmissable one is the Castle of Riardo, an imposing fortress that dominates the town. Inside the castle, you will find the Church of Santa Maria a Silice, a splendid example of Romanesque architecture. Not far from the castle is the Church of San Leonardo, the patron saint of the town, with its characteristic bell tower. Another place of important devotion for the people of Riardo is the Sanctuary of Maria SS della Stella, located in a panoramic position and surrounded by olive groves.

Society

Like many southern Italian towns, Riardo has experienced a demographic decline in recent decades. It currently has just over 2,000 inhabitants.

Economy

One of the main sources of Riardo's economy is related to mineral waters. Here you can find the sources of the famous Ferrarelle and Santagata waters. There are also some artisanal and commercial activities.

Administration

The municipality of Riardo is part of the province of Caserta and has a mayor and a municipal council.

Notes

For history enthusiasts, a visit to Riardo represents a dive into the past, with many legends and curiosities to discover.

External links

We invite you to visit the website of the municipality of Riardo for more information on the history, culture and tourism of the town. Come and discover together with us this corner of Campania!

Camilla Ricci
Wrote by Camilla Ricci
Updated Saturday, Jan 21, 2023