Monteverde, the village nestled among the green woods

Monteverde, whose toponym derives from Montis Viridis, recalls the green woods that once surrounded the hill on which the castle arose, later replaced by cereal crops. The village boasts very ancient origins: the Pelasgian walls of the 4th–3rd century BC protected a Samnite settlement, probably Cominium Ocritum, later subdued by the Romans, as evidenced by the remains of the bridge over the Ofanto River and various archaeological finds. Documented in 897 as castrum Montis Viridis, Monteverde was a bishopric until 1531 and over the centuries passed to the Normans, the Grimaldi, the Caracciolo, and the Sangermano families. Between plague, famines, and raids, the village also experienced massive waves of emigration in the 20th century. Today Monteverde is recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy, a guardian of history, culture, and timeless charm.

The wonders of the village

Monteverde, a village of Upper Irpinia, rises on a hill overlooking the Ofanto Valley, on the eastern border of Campania. The historic center, compact and gathered around the castle, preserves the typical layout of hilltop towns, with stepped alleys, arches, and stairways that follow the contours of the terrain. Walking through the narrow streets, one encounters stone loggias, houses built into the rock, and even a striking natural formation in the shape of an elephant.

The castle, originally Lombard in its core and later transformed by the Aragonese in the 15th century and by the Sangermano family in the 18th century, dominates the village with its cylindrical towers. Completely restored in 2006, it preserves the memory of its defensive function and its later residential role. At its feet remain traces of Pelasgian‑Samnite walls, testimony to the site’s ancient roots.

The streets also preserve elegant 19th‑century palaces of the landed bourgeoisie, such as the Pelosi and Spirito residences. Among the sacred places, the former cathedral of Santa Maria di Nazareth stands out, Baroque in its current appearance but enriched with medieval and Romanesque elements. Completing the heritage are the churches of Sant’Antonio, San Rocco, and Santa Maria del Carmine, with Gothic details and 18th‑century decorations.

Events in Monteverde

In Monteverde, tradition meets faith and spectacle. On May 8 the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel is celebrated: the statue of the co‑patron, brought by the Lombards, is carried in procession to the Abbey of Monticchio. From July 27 to August 25, every evening, the artificial lake of San Pietro hosts the Grande Spettacolo dell’Acqua, an event of lights, dances, and solidarity dedicated to Saint Gerard Majella. On August 5 and 6 the Madonna della Neve is honored, while on August 18 the Feast of the Madonna del Carmelo enlivens the village with confraternities in livery, illuminations, and marching bands.

Photo credits studioanghifoto