Ruviano
Welcome to Ruviano!
Hello everyone, today we will talk about Ruviano, a municipality located in the province of Caserta, in Campania, with a population of approximately 1700 inhabitants.
Geographical position
Ruviano is located in the large bend of the Volturno River at an altitude of about 100 meters above sea level. Its surface area is 24 km² and is bounded by the municipalities of Alvignano, Amorosi, Caiazzo, Castel Campagnano, Faicchio, Gioia Sannitica and Puglianello. Its low-hilly topography offers visitors the sight of olive trees and vineyards that stretch into the distance. The Alvignanello fraction is included in the municipal territory, along with the further agglomerate of San Domenico, which can be considered another fraction.
History
The ancient name of Ruviano was "Rajano" which means "ara Jani", or a field cult center dedicated to the Italic god Janus. The locality has been inhabited since the Middle Ages and is linked to its castle, which in the thirteenth century was a fief, together with Alvignanello, of the baron Andrea di Presenzano. In 1243 the Castle and the Barony of Raiano were given by the Emperor to the Judge Pietro Ursone of Telesia, while in 1302 Charles II of Anjou granted possession to Diego della Ratta, gentleman of Violante d'Aragona, wife of the son of the king. In 1322, the barony passed to Lord Giacomo Vulcano and subsequently to the noble Capuano Paolo di Raimo. At the beginning of the fifteenth century, Raiano belonged to the family of the Counts of Celano. In 1428, the castle was ceded to the heirs of Antonio di Sangro, Count of Agnone, by Odoardo Colonna, promised spouse of Jacovella da Celano. Since 1463, the Monforte family founded the church of "Santa Maria degli Angeli" in Alvignanello.
In 1528, Federico Monforte rebelled against Charles V, the Marquis of Pescara, and the Marquis sent Fabrizio Maramaldo who defeated Federico. In 1533, Federico lost his fiefs for this felony. A few years later, don Antonio D'Iscara received Raiano from the Emperor Charles V. In 1578, the D'Iscara family sold Raiano to Donna Alligra De Tassis who was lady of Raiano in 1584 and built a mill near the Castle of Raiano. In 1596, Matteo De Capua, Prince of Conca and lord of Caiazzo, bought Raiano from Donna Alligra. In 1602, the De Capua's were still in possession of Raiano. Later, the barony passed to the Carafa, Marquis of Corato, but Don Giovanni Vincenzo Carafa sold this castle to Dr. Orazio Santantonio of Naples, who took possession of it on October 29, 1613.
Tradition and culture
Ruviano can boast a peasant cuisine, with dishes based on ricotta, sausages, quality meats and of course, fine wines. The cultural tradition of the town is expressed through religious festivals, such as that of "Santa Maria degli Angeli" in Alvignanello, which is celebrated every year on August 2. This festival is very popular with the local population and tourists who come to enjoy the music, dance and extraordinary panoramic view of the territory.
Economy
The economy of Ruviano, like many other areas of Campania, is based on agriculture, particularly the production of fine wines and olive oil. Tourism is a growing resource thanks to the beauty of the landscape and the proximity to places of interest such as the Montecassino Abbey and the Matese Natural Park.
Conclusions
Ruviano represents one of the many treasures of Southern Italy, rich in history, culture, traditions and natural beauty. Visiting this charming municipality, strolling through the streets of its historic center, tasting its typical dishes and admiring its landscapes is an experience that must not be missed!
