Conca Della Campania: Castle, Waterfalls and Local History
Accommodation in Conca Della Campania
Conca Della Campania lies on the northeastern slope of the extinct Roccamonfina volcano. Here, the landscape is combined with traces of a long local history: the castle, the gorge of the Rivo di Conca, rock and lush forests, as well as cultural evidence, offer different focal points. This allows the town to be explored from a cultural-historical or nature-oriented perspective, or with a view to an event in September.
Historic Castle and Monastic Origins
The castle of Conca Della Campania was built around the year 1000 by Benedictine monks from Montecassino to protect the “Castrum Pilanum.” The building survived a series of earthquakes as well as the bombings of the Second World War.
The castle preserves a partially visible fresco referring to the founding monks, as well as a Catalan entrance portal from the 16th century. These two details connect the monastic origins with a later architectural history. Several centuries of Conca Della Campania’s architectural history lie between the construction of the castle around the year 1000 and the Catalan portal from the 16th century.
Waterfalls on the Rivo di Conca
One of the notable natural attractions is the Cascata di Conca. You can reach the waterfall via the Sentiero dei Mulini, which runs along the gorge of the Rivo di Conca. Access to the Cascata di Conca is free; there are no opening or closing hours and no reservation is required. The Rivo di Conca shapes the route to the Cascata di Conca through the gorge and the Cascate di Lieti in the Cave district.
The Cascate di Lieti in the Cave district are shaped by the Rivo di Conca. The landscape there consists of water, rock and lush forests. The path to the Cascate di Lieti begins at the ancient Fontana dei Lieti and has two signposted entrances. A natural cavity allows visitors to walk behind the curtain of water; the cave also contains a blessed statue of the Madonna.
Church, Museum and Everyday Culture
The districts also add to the cultural picture. In Orchi, the Chiesa di S. Eleuterio was largely destroyed by the 1915 earthquake. A Romanesque portal and part of a fresco depicting the Madonna delle Grazie have been preserved.
At the Museo della Civiltà Contadina, the “Casa del Contadino” focuses on everyday life: on display are a simple kitchen, a large pantry and a bedroom with all the objects used in everyday life.
September in Vezzara
In Vezzara, the Sagra della castagna takes place every year in September. For travelers visiting Conca Della Campania in September, their stay coincides with the period of the annual Sagra della castagna in Vezzara.
Other destinations: Alvignano, Presenzano, Aversa, Pastorano, Casapulla, San Castrese, San Tammaro, Riardo
To the broader travel overview: Caserta.
