San Bartolomeo in Galdo
San Bartolomeo in Galdo: Between History and Nature
San Bartolomeo in Galdo is a municipality in the province of Benevento, in Campania, situated on the border with Puglia and Molise. With an altitude of 597 metres above sea level, the village sits on a hill covered in vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees, overlooking the Fortore Valley. In this text, we will discuss the physical geography, climate, origins of the name, and history of this fascinating Campanian municipality.
Physical Geography
Territory
San Bartolomeo in Galdo is one of four Campanian municipalities that share a border with two regions: Puglia and Molise. The town is bordered by the municipalities of Tufara, Foiano di Val Fortore, Castelvetere in Val Fortore, Baselice, Roseto Valfortore, San Marco la Catola, Volturara Appula and Alberona. The Fortore River, mentioned by Pliny the Elder in his "Naturalis Historia," starts from Mount Altieri and flows into the Occhito Lake. The Montauro Forest, located to the northeast of the town centre, is an important wooded area that is home to many animal and plant species.
Climate
The climate of San Bartolomeo in Galdo is sub-continental temperate, with an Adriatic coast influence, having a hot and dry summer, and a long and cold winter, with abundant snowfalls and recurrent frosts. From a legislative point, the municipality falls under climatic zone E.
Origins of the Name
The name San Bartolomeo in Galdo derives from the patron saint of the town, San Bartolomeo Apostolo, whose cult was spread by the Lombard prince Sicardo da Cremona who brought his relics to Benevento in 838. The second term, "Galdo," could derive from medieval Latin "gualdus or gualdum" (wood) or from German "Wald" (forest), and could indicate a territory which was once a woodland.
History
Antiquity and Early Middle Ages
The territory of San Bartolomeo in Galdo was inhabited by the Samnites and probably later by the Ligurians Bebiani or Corneliani, who the Romans forced to move to the Sannio region. In the locality of Castelmagno, there was a fortified place already mentioned from the VIII century. The territory passed from the Lombards to the Normans to the Hohenstaufen, and the Longobard gastaldati changed into counties.
From the Middle Ages to Modern Times
In the Middle Ages, San Bartolomeo in Galdo was an important commercial and agricultural centre and was part of the diocesan territory of Benevento. In 1467, the town gained administrative autonomy and, in 1630, the title of city. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, San Bartolomeo in Galdo experienced a period of great prosperity, thanks to its agricultural and commercial activities.
19th and 20th Centuries
In the nineteenth century, the town was an important centre of silk production, and subsequently experienced decent demographic growth through emigration. In 1860, San Bartolomeo in Galdo joined the Kingdom of Italy, and in the twentieth century, went through several difficult moments, such as World War II and the earthquake of 1980, which caused extensive damage to the town's historical and artistic heritage.
Today, San Bartolomeo in Galdo is a municipality that mainly relies on agriculture and tourism. Its beautiful baroque church dedicated to San Bartolomeo Apostolo, the imposing medieval castle, the Municipal Museum, and the splendid nature that surrounds it make it an ideal destination for tourists who love the ancient charm and natural beauty of the Campanian hills.
In conclusion, San Bartolomeo in Galdo is a municipality rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. With its vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees, its picturesque mountains, and its historical and artistic landmarks, it represents an ideal destination for those seeking the beauty and traditions of Campania.
