Journey Through Time: Sant’Agata de Goti’s Historical Wonders
On the slopes of Monte Taburno, a beautiful village is suspended on a tuff terrace. Its ancient allure will make you fall in love.
Today’s journey takes us to a stone village perched on a tufaceous spur overlooking the Martorano and Riello rivers, where, among the paved alleys and ancient arches, there are breathtaking views of the entire Taburno Regional Park.
We are in Sant’Agata de Goti, in the province of Benevento, also known as the pearl of Sannio, a town that appears to have frozen in time, guarding a thousand-year-old history and culture. Its timeless charm has even inspired some of the most famous films in Italian cinema, including the great Alessandro Siani’s “Si Accept Miracles”.
This fairytale village, perhaps less known to most, is included in the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy and carries the Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club. It will surprise you with its ancient atmosphere and authentic beauty, making it one of the most beautiful destinations in Campania.
The History of Sant’Agata de Goti: A Look Back
According to the most reliable historical sources, the village of Sant’Agata dé Goti originated in 313 BC, in reference to the ancient city of Saticula, the land of Templars and Cistercian monks, whose remains were discovered during archaeological excavations in the territory’s north-east. In the following centuries, it was conquered by the Byzantines, Normans, Swabians, and Angevins, resulting in a multicultural and diverse scenario that has unavoidably shaped the cultural and architectural identity that distinguishes this enchanting town.
What to See in Sant’Agata de Goti: the Sannio Pearl
When you arrive in Sant’Agata de Goti, you can’t help but be captivated by the ancient bell towers and majolica domes that stand out among the picturesque residences perched on tuff terraces next to one another.
The square is unquestionably the beating heart of the historic center, housing one of the village’s most important religious monuments, the Church of the Annunziata, which was built in 1239 and immediately enchants the eye and soul with its precious marble portal from 1563.
However, the magnificent nave inside the building is adorned with ancient polychrome windows and valuable fifteenth-century frescoes depicting Old Testament episodes. Among the most interesting sites are the Church of San Menna, which houses one of the oldest Cosmatesque mosaics in southern Italy, the Domo, and the Bishop’s Palace, which is famous for the Hall of Coats of Arms, where the effigies of 68 bishops are jealously preserved.
Also worth seeing are the Church of Sant’Angelo de Munculanis, a Romanesque-style structure with three naves, and the Church of San Francesco, which houses an archaeological exhibition dedicated to the Samnites and the Lombard period.
Every corner among the paved alleys and ancient squares is full of valuable discoveries that have been harmoniously incorporated into the fabric of the surrounding homes. The gardens of Piazza della Torricella, which include a suggestive Gothic arch and an ancient wash house, are among the most beautiful landscape elements. And if you want to capture the journey in stunning photographs, we recommend taking a walk on the Vittorio Emanuele bridge to see the entire Campania region from a unique perspective.
The floral display by Sant’Agata de Goti for Corpus Domini
One of the most anticipated events in Sant’Agata de Goti is the beautiful Infiorata of Corpus Domini, which takes place every year and immerses the entire community in a riot of scents and colors that transforms the village into an author’s painting.
The paved streets and squares are adorned with magnificent floral compositions, true works of art created with skill by local florists who, with care and dedication, bring to life authentic masterpieces in the most diverse and colorful shapes, making this festival one of the most exciting in the area.