San Paolo Bel Sito
San Paolo Bel Sito: a municipality with an ancient and rich history
San Paolo Bel Sito is a municipality located in the Metropolitan City of Naples, in the Campania region, with a population of 3332 inhabitants. The municipality has an ancient and rich history dating back to the Early Bronze Age. The original inhabitants of San Paolo came from the Cicala hill, where they mainly devoted themselves to farming. Over time, the activities of the inhabitants diversified, and while the residents of San Paolo focused on craftsmanship, those of Liveri cultivated the liberal arts, and those of Livardi mainly devoted themselves to agriculture.
San Paolo Bel Sito developed along the Nola-Lauro-Palma Campania axis, following the path of the ancient Via Popilia. The municipality is known for its important archaeological sites, including the Vigna locality, Montesano, and Campo Stella. Here, finds from the Early Bronze Age, an Italic temple, the remains of a Roman villa, and burial grounds with Samnite and Roman tombs have been discovered.
The present-day settlement of San Paolo
The present-day settlement of San Paolo seems to have grown in the late medieval period, from the merging of two separate inhabited areas each with their own parish church. The name "Bel Sito" was added to the original name after the Unification of Italy to distinguish the municipality from others with the same name. This name originates from the ancient Greek term "ghè kalè," meaning "beautiful land," which refers to the origins of the village.
The geographical location of San Paolo Bel Sito, together with the natural beauty of the landscape, made the municipality a sought-after holiday destination from the 18th until the early 20th century, frequented by the Neapolitan aristocracy. Many of the noble homes from that period are still present in the municipality, including Villa Montesano, which was the residence of Domenico Cimarosa, who composed "The Secret Marriage" here.
Culture and tradition
San Paolo Bel Sito is a place rich in tradition and culture. The village has numerous churches, including the Church of San Paolo and that of San Michele Arcangelo. Furthermore, San Paolo Bel Sito boasts a strong gastronomic tradition, with typical local dishes such as fried pizza, gnocchi alla sorrentina, paccheri with rabbit sauce, and Neapolitan pastiera.
The municipality celebrates many religious and traditional festivals throughout the year, including the feast of San Paolo, which is held on June 29th, and the feast of San Michele Arcangelo, on September 29th. On these occasions, the village is filled with visitors and tourists who come to experience the tradition of the municipality.
The present and future of San Paolo Bel Sito
Today, San Paolo Bel Sito is a municipality with a strong agricultural economy, thanks to the presence of numerous agricultural companies that produce wine, oil, and other local products. The municipality also has a strong focus on tourism, with numerous activities that promote the culture and history of the village.
The municipality also has a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and farm stays, which offer visitors a range of lodging options during their stay. Additionally, San Paolo Bel Sito has a strong focus on sustainability, with numerous initiatives promoting the use of clean energy and waste reduction.
In conclusion, San Paolo Bel Sito is a municipality that has much to offer, from its rich historical and cultural traditions to its growing agricultural economy and focus on sustainability. If you decide to visit this municipality, you will have the opportunity to discover the beauty and richness of Campania culture.
