Riardo: Castle, Springs and Via Francigena del Sud
Accommodation in Riardo
Riardo combines the Castello di Riardo with an extensive landscape of springs and the Via Francigena del Sud. This creates a destination where historic architecture, water and religious pilgrimage traditions appeal to different interests. Churches, the nature reserve and the viewpoint each offer their own highlights.
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Photo: Valen3399 via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-4.0
Castello di Riardo and the View over the Plain
The Castello di Riardo is considered the town’s most important sight and an exceptional viewpoint. The origins of the Castello di Riardo are attributed to the Lombards and probably date back to the second half of the 9th century. Anyone interested in Riardo’s early history will find a particularly striking connection to the town’s past here.
A defining feature of the castle is its large round-arched window. It offers views across the Savone plain as far as the sea. The combination of historic architecture and expansive landscape makes this aspect of the castle equally appealing to travelers interested in culture and scenery.
Springs and Nature in the Parco Sorgenti Ferrarelle
The Parco Sorgenti Ferrarelle di Riardo is a nature reserve covering approximately 150 hectares in an almost untouched landscape and natural setting. Beneath the park lie groundwater resources with seven springs. The water used to produce Ferrarelle comes from these springs.
The importance of water in Riardo goes back a long way: even in Roman times, the town was known for its naturally sparkling waters. Vitruvius and Pliny the Elder mentioned and valued them. The remains of the Taverna Saliscendi are also located in the Parco Sorgenti Ferrarelle di Riardo, linking the park’s natural environment with a historical monument.
An ancient masseria stands on the agricultural grounds of the Masseria Mozzi. It is regarded as an example of a rural dwelling in the hinterland of the Province of Caserta. In addition to the castle and springs, Riardo therefore also offers an insight into the region’s rural architectural and cultural history.
Churches Between Architecture and Religious History
The portal of the Chiesa di San Leonardo is designed in the Gothic-Catalan style and is colloquially referred to as “Plateresque.” The Chiesa di Santa Maria a Silice preserves a valuable statue of the Madonna della Stella from the Neapolitan school. This statue arrived in the town around 1750.
For getting around locally, it is also relevant that the Chiesa di San Leonardo has no architectural barriers. The Chiesa di Santa Maria a Silice also has no architectural barriers.
Via Francigena del Sud and Getting There
Riardo is considered an important stage on the Via Francigena del Sud.
When arriving by car, Caianello and Capua are the nearest A1 exits to the center of Riardo. Both are located on the Autostrada del Sole between Milan and Naples. Traveling to Riardo by train involves using the Vairano-Caianello, Sparanise or Riardo-Pietramelara railway stations.
When choosing a hotel or other accommodation, you can categorize Riardo according to your preferred travel theme. The castle and churches represent history and architecture, the Parco Sorgenti Ferrarelle represents springs and nature, while the Via Francigena del Sud adds a pilgrimage-history focus. This allows you to plan your trip around the themes you would like to explore more closely in Riardo.
More Destinations for Orientation
Casanova, Aversa, Conca Della Campania, Pastorano, Cesa, San Castrese, Camigliano, Cellole Ce
To the higher-level travel overview: Caserta.
