Vallesaccarda
The Story of Vallesaccarda
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Vallesaccarda, an Italian municipality in the province of Avellino, in Campania. The town has a long history dating back to Roman times. In fact, numerous archaeological finds, especially from the Roman era, have been unearthed in the areas of Mattine, Civita, Monte Mauro and Taverna delle Noci, which are close to ancient communication routes such as the via Aurelia Aeclanensis and the diverticulum that connected it to the Tratturo Pescasseroli-Candela and up to the via Traiana.
Since its origins, the village has always followed the historical and feudal events of Trevico, administratively dependent on it until 1958, when it became an autonomous municipality. Vallesaccarda is an integral part of the Baronia, an inland area of Irpinia enclosed by three important natural communication routes: the Fiumarella stream (a tributary of the Ufita river), the Ufita river, and the Calaggio river or stream.
The Fall of the Roman Empire
With the disintegration of the political and military unity of the Roman Empire and its subsequent fall, the living conditions and stability in Baronia changed. The river valleys that for centuries had led people through these mountains became the natural channels for the penetration of barbarian invasions from Northern Europe. Under the Lombards and Byzantines, the people from the valleys moved up to higher positions, positioning themselves on hills or heights, which correspond to the current coordinates of the towns in the Baronia.
The Importance of Trevico
The importance of Trevico (simply known as "Vicum" or "Vico" in medieval times) grew over time. Under the Normans, it became the diocese of Trevico and the term "Baronia" was used for the first time in 1122 to indicate the possessions of Riccardo filius Riccardi, who became Baron of Trevico, Contra, and Flumeri.
The settlement already existed in the second half of the twelfth century, when Riccardo II de Flumeri was its lord, who sent some militiamen from this small village to the expedition to the Holy Land organized by William the Good. In 1269, Charles I of Anjou gave the hamlet to the French Provenzale de Bruveriis, followed by Marco Aiossa in 1134. It was purchased in 1343 by Raimondo del Balzo and was inherited by Nicola Orsini by marriage in 1375.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Vallesaccarda is a municipality with a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Roman era. The archaeological finds and the historical and feudal events of Trevico are proof of its importance over the years. I hope this brief summary has sparked your curiosity and has helped you discover something new about this Campanian village. Thank you for reading!
