Santomenna
Welcome to Santomenna: A Small Gem in Campania
Santomenna is a small but picturesque municipality located in the province of Salerno in Campania, with just over 400 inhabitants. This city, located in the upper Sele valley, offers visitors a breathtaking view of its mountainous area between the Conza saddle and the Marzano-Eremita mountain group. In this summary, we will tell you everything you need to know about the history, tourist attractions, and population of Santomenna.
Physical Geography
Territory
The city is located in an area with high seismic activity, classified in zone 1, according to the PCM Ordinance 3274 of 20/03/2003. The territory is characterized by a mountainous area between the Marzano and Eremita mountains.
Climate
Santomenna is classified in the E climatic zone, with 2127 degree days.
Origins of the Name
Until the post-unity period, Santomenna was known as Santa Menna. According to local tradition, the toponym derives from the name "Menna," the hermit who founded a Cenobitism in the VI century.
History
According to local tradition, in the VI century, a religious person established a hermitage and settled there. Later, other monks settled in the area and built a monastery around which the village developed.
According to the scholar Francesco Di Geronimo, it was Narses, a Byzantine general, who on the occasion of the siege of Conza (where the last seven thousand Goths still present in the Italian peninsula had barricaded themselves) between 554 and 555, erected a church dedicated to Saint Menna, an Egyptian martyr. This is why the town was named Santomenna. In fact, the town's coat of arms bears the image of the warrior saint, with a sword and palm tree.
From 1811 to 1860, Santomenna was part of the Administrative Subdivision of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies ## Laviano Districts, which in turn belonged to the Campagna district. Subsequently, from 1860 to 1927, during the Kingdom of Italy (1861-1946), it was part of the Laviano mandament (right), belonging to the Campagna district.
After the 1980 Irpinia earthquake, the entire village was destroyed, but thanks to the commitment and dedication of its inhabitants, it was rebuilt.
Honors
Santomenna has received the gold medal of civil merit for its great dignity, spirit of sacrifice, and civic commitment, facing the difficult task of recovering its housing fabric, as well as the rebirth of its social, economic, and productive future.
Monuments and Places of Interest
The city is rich in monuments and places of historical and cultural interest that its residents are proud to show visitors. Among these monuments are:
- De Ruggieri Palace, built in 1800
- Convent of the Capuchins, built in 1580
- Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, built in the XIV century
- Church of the Congregation of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1730
Society
Demographic Evolution
The population of Santomenna has been constantly decreasing in recent decades, reaching only 405 inhabitants in 2021. However, the city continues to maintain its charm through its tourist attractions and the strong community that resides there.
Ethnic Groups and Foreign Minorities
As of December 31, 2007, 9 foreign citizens lived in Santomenna, representing a small percentage of the city's population.
Religion
The majority of Santomenna's population is Catholic, and the Archdiocese of Salerno-Campagna-Acerno is responsible for the diocese. There are many occasions throughout the year when citizens participate in religious and cultural activities to celebrate their traditions and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Santomenna may be small, but it offers visitors a rich cultural experience and a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. With its lively community and historical monuments, the city embodies the spirit of a bygone era that is still evident in its architecture and the people who live there. If you are planning a trip to Campania, Santomenna is definitely worth a visit!
