Discover Carinola: History at Monte Massico

Carinola between palace, cathedral and Monte Massico

Carinola lies at the foot of Monte Massico. The town’s history combines aristocratic architecture, religious heritage and its location on the mountain. Palazzo Novelli is a residence of the Counts of Carinola dating from the 15th century. Visitors interested in culture encounter aristocratic architecture and religious heritage in Carinola.

Architecture and Franciscan heritage

Palazzo Novelli is considered one of the most important examples of Catalan art. The Convento di San Francesco stands on a hill overlooking the citadel of Carinola. The convent combines the religious heritage associated with Francis of Assisi with views of the citadel of Carinola. According to tradition, the convent preserves the cave where Saint Francis stayed for a short time during his visit to Franciscan sites in Campania. Thus, expansive views and religious heritage come together in this place.

The Cathedral of Carinola was built in the Norman style towards the end of the 11th century. A considerably earlier historical reference leads to Santa Maria in Foro Claudio, also known as Episcopio and Santa Maria di Valle d’Oro: the site is traditionally dated to the 4th or 5th century. Until 1099, Santa Maria in Foro Claudio was the seat of the bishop; that year, Bishop Bernardo moved the episcopal see to Carinola. Palazzo Novelli and the cathedral are separated by a considerable period of time: the palace dates from the 15th century, the cathedral was built towards the end of the 11th century; Santa Maria in Foro Claudio is traditionally dated to the 4th

Sanctuary and underground cemetery

The Santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie is located at the northernmost edge of the town in a green valley. It houses a late Gothic image of Santa Maria a Pisciarello, a fresco from the 15th century painted on local tuff stone.

Behind the church is the ancient putridarium, an underground cemetery with only two surviving underground rooms.

Festivals throughout the year

The festival traditions also have their own distinctive character. The festivities in honour of the Madonna Grande ed Eccelsa in Casanova take place every year on the third Sunday in May. The festivities include an infiorata extending along Via Grancelsa and created from flowers collected by local residents in sacred motifs. A traditional sagra associated with the Cappella di S. Paolo in Casale takes place every year on 24 and 25 January. The floral motifs of the infiorata are sacred, while the sagra is associated with the Cappella di S. Paolo in Casale.

More destinations

More destinations for orientation: Pastorano, San Castrese, Dragoni, Valle Di Maddaloni, Mignano Monte Lungo, Casanova, Grottola, Orta Di Atella

To the higher-level travel overview: Caserta.