Mercogliano: Discover Borgo Capocastello and Montevergine
Accommodation in Mercogliano
Mercogliano offers two distinct perspectives: the medieval Borgo Capocastello and the sacred heritage surrounding the Santuario di Montevergine. These are joined by a museum with finds from the Castello di Mercogliano, distinctive architectural forms and the town’s location in the Parco del Partenio area. In the borgo, the narrow streets, the gate and the castle remains are the main highlights; at the Santuario, the Basilica Antica, the painting and the elevation of 1,200 metres add to the experience.
File:83013 Mercogliano AV, Italy - panoramio (2).jpg
Photo: Francesco Boggia via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Capocastello, City Gate and Castle Remains
The medieval Borgo Capocastello is characterised by narrow streets, slender stairways, small squares, small churches and low houses built close together. The Porta dei Santi is the lower entrance to the medieval Borgo Capocastello in Mercogliano. It was originally called Porta del Piede, also “Porta de Pede”, and is additionally known as Porta Maggiore. It was first documented in February 1162. The three patron saints Modestino, Fiorentino and Flaviano are depicted in the upper part of the Porta dei Santi. Today, only a tower and parts of the surrounding wall remain of the Castello Medievale di Mercogliano.
Archaeological Finds in the Medieval Borgo
At the highest point of the medieval Borgo Capocastello is the Museo antiquarium di Mercogliano, next to the crypt of the Chiesa della SS.ma Concezione. The museum displays ceramic and numismatic finds from the Castello di Mercogliano. The chronological presentation ranges from the oldest finds, dated to the 12th and 13th centuries, through to the Middle Ages. Its location at the highest point of the borgo provides a specific spatial reference for the district. For visitors interested in culture, this combines the examination of tangible artefacts with the historic centre of Capocastello.
Architecture and Sacred Art
Individual buildings also create distinctive accents in Mercogliano. The Palazzo Abbaziale di Loreto has a characteristic octagonal form. The Basilica Antica of the Santuario di Montevergine houses the painting known as the “Madonna di Montevergine” or “Mamma Schiavona”. The Santuario di Montevergine is located at an elevation of 1,200 metres. This elevation adds a specific geographical reference for the Santuario to its sacred art.
Events and Connection to the Santuario
A special event is the so-called “Juta” to the Santuario della Madonna di Montevergine. It takes place at Pentecost and on 1 September. A connection runs from the Mercogliano station to the Santuario di Montevergine in seven minutes. Those who include the Juta in their travel plans can choose Pentecost or 1 September as a specific date; the seven-minute connection from Mercogliano station to the Santuario complements this time reference.
More Destinations for Your Trip to Italy
For further planning, you can also explore San Michele di Serino, Montella, Bisaccia, Caposele, Sorbo Serpico, Capriglia Irpina, Villaggio Laceno and Montemarano.
To the higher-level travel overview: Avellino.
.jpg){kind=link}