Fragneto Monforte

Fragneto Monforte is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Benevento in the Italian region Campania.

Fragneto is a green mountainous area whose history dates back from 500 B.C. It is not far from Benevento (just 10 km) the provincial capital of Samnium, Naples (65 km) and Rome (200 km).

As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 1,935 and an area of 24.4 km².

Fragneto Monforte borders the following municipalities: Benevento, Campolattaro, Casalduni, Fragneto l'Abate, Pesco Sannita, Ponte, Pontelandolfo, Torrecuso.

History

Due to its strategic position, since 500 B.C., Fragneto Monforte was a very important center for Sanniti, Romans, Gothes, Bizantini, Saraceni, Longobardi. The name Fragneto comes from FARA (family) of GNITO, a longobard warrior who founded the “castrum”, (the fortified village) around XI century A.C.

In the X century B.C., units of Bizantini escaped from Benevento and settled in Fragneto, introduced the cult of Saint Nicolao from Myra, still today practised. In 1010 appears the common noun Monteforte that will be turned in Monforte during the XVII century.
In the Norman period (1150-1168) Fragneto Monforte is often named among the feudal overloads, in fact in the first half of he XII century it belonged to Bartolomeo from Monteforte.
This family, during the period of Angiò, succeeded in enlarging their properties and above all in conserving them for more than three centuries.

In the XIV and XV centuries Fragneto Monforte lives tragic events: first the terrible earthquake of 1349, then the occupation of the Aragonesi, the reconquest of the Angioini and finally the other earthquake on Saint Barbara’s night in 1456, that destroyed the country.
With the arrival of Carl VIII, king of France, to monforte, for the first time is hoisted the french flag.
After the French defeat the dominion and the power of Monforte ceased; his possession was given to Federico d’Aragona e Andrea di Capua. During the following 90 years the earldom of Fragneto will be sold other five times. In 1584 it will belong to the family Montalto that in 1612 will receive the title of Duke of Fragneto. To the heirs of Montalto family belongs today the Palazzo Ducale.

Monuments

The main monuments in Fragneto are: the Palazzo ducale, home of Montalto family for over 400 years and elegantly restored and refinished. Today it is a luxury venue for special events such as conferences, parties and weddings.
The Parish Church of SS Nicola and Rocco, destroyed by the earthquake of 1688 and rebuilt the following century. In the church there is the relic of Santa Faustina, martyr during the dominion of emperor Diocleziano, dating back to the III century.
This church took the place of the older Santa Croce Church, completely destroyed by the same earthquake and whose restoration has recently been done.
The Bell Tower built between XVII- XVIII centuries; it is separated from the church to rise in the main square.
Similar to that also the tiglio, the tree symbol of the village, rises on the main square. It dates back to the end of XVI century.

Typical food and products

The typical foods of Fragneto area include: hand made pasta (cavatelli, fusilli), ewe’s milk cheese, prized wines and all of oil of controlled origin. However most of the products that enrich the gastronomy in this area can be related to an artistic and qualitatative craftmanship: from “zeppole” and “struffoli” to the vaste range of renowed charcuterie, capocollo, soppressate, sausages, beefs and pork. We must remember also the production of precious objects made with traditional tecniques of wicker, wood and wrought iron objects and finally pottery and lace which are the highest expression of Fragneto handicraft.

Hot Air Balloons Meeting

The Hot Air Balloons Festival takes place in October. It began more than 20 years ago and it is promoted by the administration and “Pro- Loco”. A lot of Italians and foreign crews take part in it. The meeting must not be only considered a sporting event but also an important cultural meeting due to the presence of famous representatives of the arts and culture. Its main aim is to promote the exploitation of Fragneto's and Samnium's agricultural, cultural and handicraft resources, to allow the knowledge and peace among different races and cultures.
During the festival, in the town there are a lot of exhibitions and expositons of folklore, music, art, local handicrafts, typical products and cultural meetings.

Photo...Shots

Demographic evolution

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References