Montesarchio: the Samnite Village between rock, myth, and the Taburno valley

Nestled on the slopes of Mount Taburno, overlooking the fertile Caudina Valley, Montesarchio is the largest town in the province of Benevento and is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy.

The name “Montesarchio” has controversial origins: the most accredited hypotheses link it to Mons Arcis (fortified mountain) or Mons Arcolo (from the Lombard leader Arcolo); less reliable is the derivation Mons Herculis, dating back to the Risorgimento. Montesarchio coincides with the ancient Samnite city of Caudium, famous for the “Caudine Forks.” In Roman and later Lombard times, the village moved from the plain to the hillside, along the Via Appia, today part of the Via Francigena del Sud. The castle, of strategic importance, passed under various dominations, from Lombards to Aragonese, and was renovated in the 15th century by Francesco di Giorgio Martini. The Spanish nobles d’Avalos developed fairs and trade. The districts of the village reflect the different historical eras, making Montesarchio a true mosaic of civilizations.

What to See in Montesarchio

Visitors are immediately struck by its profile embracing the hillside, dominated by the Tower and the Castle, witnesses of a millennium of history. The Castle, born in Lombard times, was restructured over the centuries until the 15th-century intervention of Francesco di Giorgio Martini, the same architect who designed the almond-shaped Tower, once a defensive outpost.

The village preserves districts from different eras:

Latovetere, of Lombard origin, with an 8th-century church and the Abbey of San Nicola with works by Giovan Bernardo Lama.

Latonuovo, Norman, home to the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity.

Cappella, Aragonese, with the ancient Palazzo Caracciolo.

Sacred places abound, such as the Convent of the Conventual Franciscans, with a cloister and 14th-century frescoes, and the Convent of the Poor Clares, known for the “wheel of the exposed.” Borgo San Francesco hosts the town hall (former convent) and the Church of San Francesco, with works by Vanvitelli and paintings by Spataro.

In Piazza Umberto I stand Palazzo D’Avalos, with works by local and 17th-century artists, and the Church of the Annunziata. Finally, the Clock Tower, with majolica tiles and a votive inscription, still welcomes pilgrims along the Via Francigena.

Events, Culture, and Traditions

Among the most heartfelt events is the feast of Corpus Domini, during which citizens set up altars and artistic tableaux along the streets. For about twenty years, the Pro Loco has organized “I giorni al Borgo”, a re-enactment of local traditions and culture held in September.

The patron saint of the town is San Nicola di Bari, but the Holy Trinity, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and Saint Anthony are also highly venerated. The hamlets celebrate Saint Michael in Cirignano and the Assumption of Mary in Varoni, with popular festivals lasting several days, in a climate of participation and collective devotion.

What to See Around Montesarchio

Montesarchio is the gateway to the Taburno-Camposauro Regional Park, an ideal destination for excursions, walks, and trekking.

For wine lovers, the area is famous for the production of Aglianico del Taburno DOCG, which can be tasted in wineries surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.

So, all that’s left is to visit this wonderful village and share your experience with the world.

photo credits  shutterstock Enrico Della Pietra