Villanova del Battista
Welcome to Villanova del Battista!
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about a small town in Campania: Villanova del Battista. With its 1457 inhabitants, Villanova is located in the northeastern part of Irpinia, not far from the border with Puglia. The municipal territory extends between the Fiumarella stream and the Apennine watershed, enclosed by mixed coniferous and deciduous forests.
The territory
The urban center is located in a dominant position on the Ufita valley, on a peak that overlooks the valley where the Fiumarella stream flows. The municipality is characterized by a cool temperate climate with moderate temperatures and moderate precipitation. The average temperature ranges around 3°C in winter and 21°C in summer.
The history
The origin of the urban center is uncertain, but it is known that the natural caves in the area have led to the presence of nomadic populations dedicated to gathering and hunting in prehistoric times. The oldest nucleus of the urban center dates back to the Middle Ages and it is believed to have been built to defend the population from barbarian raids. In the thirteenth century, the municipality was called ''Pulcarino'', probably derived from the Slavic populations of the sixth century. In the sixteenth century, the majority of the population spoke only the Slavic language. In the seventeenth century, the municipality took the name of Villanova, to which ''del Battista'' was added in honor of the patron saint of the town, Saint John the Baptist.
The municipality has been hit several times by earthquakes throughout its history, and during World War II, it was bombed, causing many casualties.
What to visit
Despite the difficulties, Villanova del Battista is a charming and rustic town, perfect for a day trip. The historic center, with its three hills (Paese Vecchio, Costa delle Rose, and Spina Taverna), offers a spectacular view of the Ufita valley and the entire surrounding area. One place to visit is certainly the royal tratturo Pescasseroli-Candela, an ancient transhumance route that crosses the municipal territory.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Villanova del Battista is a town with ancient history and a charming mountainous territory, ideal for a day trip to discover Campania. Don't miss the opportunity to admire the view from the top of its hills and walk along the royal tratturo Pescasseroli-Candela. We are sure you will fall in love with this small town and its rustic and authentic atmosphere.
