Solopaca
Welcome to Solopaca: a little gem in the province of Benevento
Hello everyone! Today I'm going to talk about Solopaca, a charming town in the province of Benevento, in Campania, where I had the luck to spend a few days on vacation.
Origin of the name and physical geography
The name "Solopaca" has uncertain origins: some argue that it derives from the Latin "Sol opacus", meaning little sunny village, while others believe it comes from the Latin "sub pago", meaning village "that is below", referring to its geographical location at the foot of the Taburno - Camposauro massif, delimited to the north by the course of the Calore Irpino.
The town center has a narrow and long shape of about 1.5 km and is characterized by the presence of several churches, historic monuments, and narrow alleys that make the atmosphere truly suggestive.
History
Solopaca has been inhabited since ancient times, and various archaeological findings have testified to the presence of human settlements in the area. However, the first documented citations date back to the twelfth-thirteenth century when the town was known by various denominations.
According to historians, Solopaca would have been born as a "casale", that is, a minor center or a fraction, of Telesia, probably after the destruction brought by the Saracen raids and the earthquake that struck the city of Telesia in the years 846-848 AD.
During the fourteenth century, Solopaca was a fiefdom of the Monsorio, then passed to the Norman Sanframondo and later to the Lagonessa, who held it until the seventeenth century together with the neighboring town of Telese Terme.
What to see in Solopaca
Solopaca is a small gem rich in historic monuments, churches, and museums that are definitely worth visiting.
Among the main attractions, there is certainly the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, located in the ancient village and dating back to the thirteenth century, characterized by the presence of a tower bell and a very suggestive stone portal.
One of the oldest churches in Solopaca is the Church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the Norman era and characterized by a beautiful Romanesque facade. Also, the Church of Santa Maria di Loreto, located on the Pàddili hill and dating back to the eighteenth century, is worth a visit for its frescoes and artworks inside.
For art lovers, then, there is the Civic Museum of Byzantine Icons, located in the Baronial Palace, where you can admire a collection of Byzantine icons dating from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century.
What to do in Solopaca
Solopaca is the ideal place for nature lovers and food and wine tourism. In fact, the surrounding territory is characterized by the presence of woods, hills, and rivers that offer enchanting landscapes and numerous opportunities for hiking or cycling.
Moreover, Solopaca is famous for the production of fine wines, such as Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, which you can taste at the numerous wineries in the area. Not to be missed, also, is the Wine Festival held every year in September, which offers the opportunity to taste local wines accompanied by typical dishes of the Campanian tradition.
Curiosities
Did you know that Solopaca, as well as for its fine wines, is also famous for the production of cheeses? In particular, "caciocavallo podolico" cheese is one of the most appreciated gastronomic products in the area and is produced following ancient traditions.
Furthermore, every year in October, the Chestnut Festival is held, a celebration that honors the typical fruit of autumn and that represents a real attraction for tourists and visitors.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Solopaca is a small pearl nestled among the Campanian hills, a place to discover and admire for its natural beauty, historical and artistic heritage, and food and wine excellence. If you are looking for an alternative destination, away from mass tourism, Solopaca is definitely the right place for you!
