Pietraroja
Encyclopedia
Pietraroja is a mountain comune
(municipality), rich of water sources, woods and healthy air, in
the province of Benevento
in Campania
, southern Italy
. It is c. 50 km by car from Benevento
, in direction north-west, 83 km from Naples
in direction north-east and c. 223 km from Rome
in direction south-east.
(municipality) of the province; it is limited to north from the western side, oasis of natural protection, of mount Mutria (1,823 m) in the southern chain of the Matese
mounts (Apennines), to the border with comune of Guardiaregia
in the region Molise
. Its territory constitutes the high valley of the river Titerno
, surrounded to north from Mutria and from Santa Crocella pass. Between these last two, in the place named "Tre Valloni", are the sources of the Titerno
whose waters join with those of the torrent named "Acqua Calda" and, coasting along the buttress of Mount Mutria, they go down in the plain of Cusano Mutri
passing through a canyon, delimited to north from the rocky table named Civita of Cusano Mutri and to south Civita of Pietraroja. In the Moschiaturo mountain is the source of other principal torrent, the Torbido, which crosses Métole and Potéte to east and to south of Pietraroja and flows in the plane of Civitella Licinio, hamlet of Cusano Mutri in which it meets the Titerno.
origin and has occupied various sites in its territory, currently on its fourth definitive site erected after the catastrophic earthquake of June 5, 1688. Its territory is part of the central-southern zone of the Apennines included between the Mainarde mountains and the Matese
massif, inhabited in the antiquity by Pentri
Samnites that set their capital in Bojano
.
Its inhabitants had certainly involved in the Samnite Wars
as well as in social ones against Rome suffering the Pentri
's genocide perpetrated by Lucius Cornelius Sulla
. The Roman domination Latinized the Samnium
leaving also a greatest influence on Pietraroja dialect, in which it is lost every trace of Oscan language previously spoken by Samnites. After the Roman one, Pietraroja has undergone the various dominations of Samnium
(Lombard
, Norman, Hohenstaufen
, Angevin
, Catalan-Aragonese
, Spanish
, etc.). After Lombard rule under the gastald
s of Telese
, Pietraroja was part, from the 12th to the 14th century, of the fief of the Sanframondos, a family of Norman origin. Their possessions included, among the others, the territories of Cerreto Sannita
, Cusano Mutri
, Pietraroja, Guardia Sanframondi
, Limatola
, San Lorenzo Maggiore
, Massa
, Faicchio
, Ponte as well as Dugenta
in Terra di Lavoro
and Bojano and San Giuliano del Sannio
in Molise
. In the 15th century Pietraroja was handed over to the Marzanos family and later to Onorato Gaetani. Subsequently the town was held by the Carafa
, whose possessions were also extended in Molise
; they held it until the abolition of feudalism in 1806.
Pietraroja has been a centre of the Bourbon reaction after the annexation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
to that of Italy in 1861. With Guardiaregia, Sepino, Campobasso, Cusano Mutri it has been one of the centres of the brigandage of the southern massif of the Matese
. In December 1863 the national guard besieged the brigands sheltered in the cave known as Cava dei Briganti and convinced them to go out, saving their lives in change. The promise was not kept and they were shot in the place named Aria corta situated behind the town building, After the unification of Italy, Pietraroja has experiment a strong emigration, especially towards the United States. After World War II
, the flow directed to northern and central Italy and to Europe (Switzerland, Germany and England). The opening of a stone quarry in the place named "Canale", moreover closed subsequently, of a clay quarry in the place "Saure" no more drawn out for the cheap quality and of coloured marble quarry in the place "Pesco Rosito", open but never operating, did not reduce emigration.
) it is possible to practise the snow sports and horse-riding.
(called "casecavàgli" in dialect, characteristic oval cheese whose pieces are joined in couple with a rope and hanged on horizontal rods to mature them) and meat and the breeding of swines, at family level, from which are got, after desiccation to the cold and to the firewood smoke and following seasoning, the salted meats and the hams of which Pietraroja goes famous. The goodness of this latest product is note through the centuries, to this purpose in the museum of Alife, a comune in the province of Caserta
, it is preserved a manuscript, going up to May 29, 1776, headed "Fornitura di prigiotta al duca di Laurenzana da Pietraroia" ("Supply of prigiotta (hams) to the duke of Laurenzana from Pietraroia"), that is the duke Gaetani of Aragon, lord of the Piedimonte feud. In addition Antonio Iamalio, speaking of Pietraroja in his work on the province of Benevento "Regina of the Sannio" (queen of Samnium in Engl.)(1918), writes: "Flourishing there is mainly the breeding of swine, from which the famous hams of Pietraroja".
Considerable is the production of hay for the livestock nourishment in stables during the winter period.
Pietraroja has a surface for agricultural use of 1797.99 hectares (as of 2000)
of this colour on the oriental side of the Mutria, that overhangs it.
Particularly important was the discovery of a baby dinosaur, the first in Italy, which also contains some internal organs: the puppy was named Cyrus by media, while his species was called Scipionyx samniticus Scipionyx samniticus. The discovery of Cyrus has revolutionized the palaeogeography of Italy, formerly held underwater during the Mesozoic era. Among other fossils found at Pietraroja, are to remember those of many fish (including Belonostomus), reptiles (Chometokadmon, Derasmosaurus) and amphibians (Celtedens).
Other sights include the parish church of S. Maria Assunta in San Nicola (patron of Pietraroja) square, in the higher part of the municipality. It was erected with elements of the pre-existing Church of San Paolo, from the old Pietraroja destroyed by the earthquake of the 1688. It has a Romanesque
portal (11th century) with the two sides supported by a lioness and a feminine bear nursing two infants and the high-relieves.
Another interesting excursion for the spectacular views is the edge circuit of the calcareous table of the “Civita”. On its southern part is placed the new one and the third Pietraroja (where is placed the actual cemetery). From its northern part one can see the impressive ravine (place called "Rave") over the fountain “Stritto” (placed in the territory of Cusano Mutri) dug during million of years by the Titerno. In this ravine is placed the inaccessible “Grotta dei Briganti” (cave of the brigands) or “Grotta delle Fate “ (cave of the fairies). The best point of observation is easily reached from the roadway in the place called “Canale”, as soon as out Pietraroja in direction of Sepino, where one needs to turn on the left and to continue toward the place "Ariòla" under the rocky massif on which the “Civita” is situated.
In proximity of Pietraroja, going down along the roadway to Cusano Mutri, taking on the left or also on the right one arrives to the place "Murrùni" from where it is possible to see the water-course of the “Torbido” stream and the places down to Pietraroja.
On the road to Sepino ( in province of Campobasso, Molise), there is the pass of “Santa Crocella”, mountain saddle with landscape of stupendous beech woods among the mountain “Tre Confini” (Three Confinements, 1.419 m above s.l.), next to the "Palombaio” (Columbary) oriental portion of mount Mutria(1.823 m above s.l.) and Moschiaturo mountain (1.470 m above s.l.). The pass marks the border between the municipalities of Pietraroja and Sepino, as well as between the provinces of Campobasso and Benevento and between Campania and Molise.
On the same roadway, about one kilometre before reaching “Santa Crocella” pass, one can visit, turning on the left, the place “Pesco Rosito” ( rosy rock in Engl.) from which was extracted the red stone that has given the name to Pietraroja. From here it is possible also to effect the scaling to the top of the "Palombaio" or to go to the wood “Torta” bordering up "Campitello", place in territory of Guardiaregia ( province of Campobasso).
From “Santa Crocella” pass, before the beech wood, taking the wide path to the right of the roadway, the scaling to the Moschiaturo mountain is easy also to not professional climbers. One reaches the fountain "Làu Pésula" ideal for picnic owing to the goodness of its spring water and the coolness of the beech wood. Just before this source the path turns to the left and climbs the “Moschiaturo” on summit of which can be admired an enchanting panorama on the high territory of Benevento.
Another excursion, not to miss for the superb panoramas on Campania and on Molise, is that on mount Mutria. Besides climbing it hardly at the centre, coasting along the big circular rocky formation named “Giumenta Bianca” ( white mare in Engl.), the easiest way is to go to the skiing place “Bocca della Selva” (mouth of the forest in Engl.), hamlet of Cusano Mutri, situated to the feet of the western part of the mountain. Reached the shelter “I tre faggi” (the 3 beech trees in Engl.) of the same place, must be taken the road on the right that climbs on the left side of the mount(called "Mutilìgliu"). Left the mean of transport at the end of the road there is the path, with the depicted signs to be followed, that leads to the central top of the mount.
The aforesaid torrential bed of the Titerno can be gone along by the trekking lovers. To this purpose it needs to go in the place named "Campusciàru" attainable from the aforesaid country road leaving from the place named “Canale”. After a few meters it turns on the right and continues for some kilometers up to the bridge on such stream in which it is possible to go down.One meets a lot of natural basins of running water (called "ùrvi" in dialect) the greatest of which are that named "Pénta" and "Ursu", this latter after a jump of many meters. It is not attainable from the bed of the stream so it needs to make the path that follows on the left the same stream.
Another trekking run is the ascent of "Torbido" stream, tributary of the Titerno, the bed of that passes below the "Potéte" hamlet. To reach it one needs to take the road to Cusano Mutri and, in the place "Vigne", to turn to the left and to go down for the road to "Potéte". Arrived at the bottom, before the bridge on "Torbido", one takes to climb its bed. It is possible to see the plant that brought the water to the stone tub of the old mill of Pietraroja and to reach the water basin called "Cùru de la Cucózza" (bottom of pumpkin).
These are the main itineraries that nevertheless don't exhaust the runs can be done because the great vastness of Pietraroja territory. In these excursions it is possible to meet with the interesting local flora and fauna.
Cannot be passed under silence the lot of fountains of Pietraroja, furnishing fresh and light water, so diuretic and detoxifying, near which to have pleasant picnics. Neglecting those in the centre, the nearest are that close at the geo-paleontological museum and that in the place "Canale" as soon as out Pietraroja, to the left of the road to Sepino where are also present seats.Going on the same road, after a kilometre about, one meets on the right the fountain of the "Salice" (willow) near the buildings of the place "Cesamari". Proceeding forward, after the second cross-road, taking the direction to Morcone one meets the attended fountain of the "Radica" (root) that takes water from the water-bearing stratum of the Moschiaturo mountain ("Rufènza" in dialect).These fountains are comfortably reached, wanting however to enjoy water sources plunged in suggestive woods one needs to make also some way on foot. In precedence it is already said how to reach, departing from the "Santa Crocella" pass, the fountain "Làu Pesola" at the foot of the Moschiaturo mountain. Climbing on this last, following the path before described, in the place "Valle Grande" (wide valley in Engl.,"Vàlle rànna" in dial.) is found the very cold fountain called "Cursarégliu". To arrive there, once reached the peak, one takes the comfortable path in direction of the confinements of Sepino walking about a kilometre. Interesting is also the fountain of the "Tasso" (yew tree), that is found in the place "Filette" ("Fulètte" in dial.); at the first cross of the road to Sepino, on the left one takes the direction that brings to "Bocca della Selva".
es ("fài" in dialect), the oak
s ("cèrque"), the chestnut trees, the maple
s, the minor maples ("ócchi"), the elms ("ùrmi"), the fir
s and the pine
s (not native of the place), the poplars ("chiùppi), the ashes, the flowering ashes, the Turkey oak
s, the linden
s ("téglie"), the filbert trees ("ullàne"), the willows ("sàuci"), the osier
s, ("vétèche") the wild apple-trees ("melàini"), the wild pear-trees ("peràini"), the ilexes ("ìuci"), the yew-tree
s, the junipers ("inépri") and the hollies ("arifógli").
Among the grassy and woody plants are aromatic marjoram
("mairàna" in dialect), oregano
, thyme
, wild fennel
("fenùcchiu"), anise
("pimpinèlla"), wild mint ("menta sàuza")], those edible chicory
, asparagus
("spàracu"), sprout of butcher's broom
, water cress ("cannea"), borage
("urràccia"), edible thistle
("càrdu chìnu")], those with edible fruits [the 2 kinds of blackberry
bush with the corresponding fruits ("murrìcule"), the raspberries
, the strawberries ("fràule"), the cornels
("vrignàli"), the hawthorn
prunellas ("trìnche")], those medicinal valerian
("valleriàna"), angelic
, gentian
, gentianella
, camomile ("cammumìlla"), hyssop
("isópu"), milfoil
, the flowers dogrose ("rosa janàra"), hollyhock
("mmàrva"), althaea
("malvónu"), wild carnation
, iris
, cyclamen
("scocciapiàtti"), snowdrop
, broom
("jnéstra"), poppy
("papàgnu"), daisy wheel, sweet violet ("viulètta"), primrose
("viòla iànca")], those poisonous belladonna, hemlock
, hellebore
, equisetum ("córa de órba"), mistletoe
("viscògna")]. Other plants of considerable diffusion are the red thorn
("spinapóce"), the masculine and feminine fern
s, the elder ("sammùcu") and the wild elder ("mùnnegliu"), the rush
("jùncu"), the euphorbia ("tutumàglia"), the ivy
("èllera"), the wild carrot
, the mercurial grass ("èrva mercurèlla"), the ononis spinosa
("rumàca"), the bittersweet
("turcamàra"), the soap-plant ("èrva sapunàra"), the arctium lappa ("cazzarégli"), the welted thistle, the carding thistle
, the absinth ("nascénzu"), the rumex
("lampàzzu"), the verbascum,the wild turnip
("rapèsta"), the dandelion ("cicòria paròla").
The recoverable edible fungi are the agaric
("virno"), the field mushroom ("petranùgliu"), the craterellus
("scardarella"), chanterelle
("gaglinella"), the honey mushroom ("chiuìttu"), the cauliflower mushroom
("retélla"), the parasol mushroom
, the Caesar's mushroom, the penny bun
or boletus edulis
and others not picked up by the inhabitants.
Also the fauna once numerous, reduced by hunting, is slowly recovered after the institution of protected oasis. Birds include eagle
and the crow
. Currently they are still found the goshawk ("rastarégliu" in dialect), the magpie
("pica"), the blackbird ("mérgliu"), the trush ("tùrdu"), the woodpecker
("tòcculacèrqua), the cuckoo
("cucùru"), the crow
("ciàula"), the wagtail
("ciùcciapannèlla"), the wood-lark ("calandrèlla"),the robin
("pétturùssu"), the goldfinch
("cardìgliu"), the chaffinch
("frungìgliu), the blackcap
("capunéra"), the thrush
("tùrdu), the missel thrush (" tardèca") the nightingale
("rasciagnogliu"), the swallow
("rundinèlla"), the sparrow
("pàssaru"), the bat
("sparpagliónu"), the owl
("cuccuàina"), the long-eared owl
("àsciu").
Among the mammals are the wild boar, the fox
("òrba"), the badger
("tasciola"), the dormouse
("agliéri"), the hedgehog
, the weasel
("nìzzela"), the mole
("tupanàra") and others can be seen. Other present kinds are the tree-frog, the green lizard
, the toad
("óttu"), the snail
(the white one and that great ochre)("ciammétta"), the and the viper
. Even if it is interesting, one pass over a lot of kinds of insects elsewhere disappeared for the intensive agriculture. One finally signalises the presence of trout
and crayfishes in the torrents; these last, once present, are now in phase of reintroduction.
Comune
In Italy, the comune is the basic administrative division, and may be properly approximated in casual speech by the English word township or municipality.-Importance and function:...
(municipality), rich of water sources, woods and healthy air, in
the province of Benevento
Province of Benevento
The Province of Benevento is a province in the Campania region of Italy. Its capital is the city of Benevento.It has an area of 2,071 km², and a total population of 289,455...
in Campania
Campania
Campania is a region in southern Italy. The region has a population of around 5.8 million people, making it the second-most-populous region of Italy; its total area of 13,590 km² makes it the most densely populated region in the country...
, southern Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. It is c. 50 km by car from Benevento
Benevento
Benevento is a town and comune of Campania, Italy, capital of the province of Benevento, 50 km northeast of Naples. It is situated on a hill 130 m above sea-level at the confluence of the Calore Irpino and Sabato...
, in direction north-west, 83 km from Naples
Naples
Naples is a city in Southern Italy, situated on the country's west coast by the Gulf of Naples. Lying between two notable volcanic regions, Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields, it is the capital of the region of Campania and of the province of Naples...
in direction north-east and c. 223 km from Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
in direction south-east.
Geography
For its altitude (818 m above s.l.) Petraroja is the second comuneComune
In Italy, the comune is the basic administrative division, and may be properly approximated in casual speech by the English word township or municipality.-Importance and function:...
(municipality) of the province; it is limited to north from the western side, oasis of natural protection, of mount Mutria (1,823 m) in the southern chain of the Matese
Matese
The Matese is a chain of mountains in central Italy, central-southern Apennines.-Geography:...
mounts (Apennines), to the border with comune of Guardiaregia
Guardiaregia
Guardiaregia is a small mountain town in the Province of Campobasso, Molise, southern Italy. Their patron saint is San Nicola di Bari, otherwise known as St. Nicholas.There was a vast number of immigrants to Canada and the USA during the second World War...
in the region Molise
Molise
Molise is a region of Southern Italy, the second smallest of the regions. It was formerly part of the region of Abruzzi e Molise and now a separate entity...
. Its territory constitutes the high valley of the river Titerno
Titerno
Titerno is a Gruppo Azione Locale in the Province of Benevento, Campania Region, Italy. Member communities include:* Castelvenere* Cerreto Sannita* Cusano Mutri* Faicchio* Guardia Sanframondi* Pietraroja* Ponte* Pontelandolfo...
, surrounded to north from Mutria and from Santa Crocella pass. Between these last two, in the place named "Tre Valloni", are the sources of the Titerno
Titerno
Titerno is a Gruppo Azione Locale in the Province of Benevento, Campania Region, Italy. Member communities include:* Castelvenere* Cerreto Sannita* Cusano Mutri* Faicchio* Guardia Sanframondi* Pietraroja* Ponte* Pontelandolfo...
whose waters join with those of the torrent named "Acqua Calda" and, coasting along the buttress of Mount Mutria, they go down in the plain of Cusano Mutri
Cusano Mutri
Cusano Mutri is a comune in the Province of Benevento in the Italian region Campania, located about 60 km northeast of Naples and about 35 km northwest of Benevento...
passing through a canyon, delimited to north from the rocky table named Civita of Cusano Mutri and to south Civita of Pietraroja. In the Moschiaturo mountain is the source of other principal torrent, the Torbido, which crosses Métole and Potéte to east and to south of Pietraroja and flows in the plane of Civitella Licinio, hamlet of Cusano Mutri in which it meets the Titerno.
History
Pietraroja has SamniteSamnium
Samnium is a Latin exonym for a region of south or south and central Italy in Roman times. The name survives in Italian today, but today's territory comprising it is only a small portion of what it once was. The populations of Samnium were called Samnites by the Romans...
origin and has occupied various sites in its territory, currently on its fourth definitive site erected after the catastrophic earthquake of June 5, 1688. Its territory is part of the central-southern zone of the Apennines included between the Mainarde mountains and the Matese
Matese
The Matese is a chain of mountains in central Italy, central-southern Apennines.-Geography:...
massif, inhabited in the antiquity by Pentri
Pentri
The Pentri were a tribe of the Samnites, and apparently one of the most important of the subdivisions of that nation. Their capital city was Bovianum Undecumanorum The Pentri (Greek: ) were a tribe of the Samnites, and apparently one of the most important of the subdivisions of that nation. Their...
Samnites that set their capital in Bojano
Bojano
Bojano or Boiano is a town and comune in the province of Campobasso, Molise, south central Italy.-History:Originally named Bovianum, it was settled by the 7th century BC. As the capital of the Pentri, a tribe of the Samnites, it played a major role in the Samnite Wars, as well as in the Social War,...
.
Its inhabitants had certainly involved in the Samnite Wars
Samnite Wars
The First, Second, and Third Samnite Wars, between the early Roman Republic and the tribes of Samnium, extended over half a century, involving almost all the states of Italy, and ended in Roman domination of the Samnites...
as well as in social ones against Rome suffering the Pentri
Pentri
The Pentri were a tribe of the Samnites, and apparently one of the most important of the subdivisions of that nation. Their capital city was Bovianum Undecumanorum The Pentri (Greek: ) were a tribe of the Samnites, and apparently one of the most important of the subdivisions of that nation. Their...
's genocide perpetrated by Lucius Cornelius Sulla
Lucius Cornelius Sulla
Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix , known commonly as Sulla, was a Roman general and statesman. He had the rare distinction of holding the office of consul twice, as well as that of dictator...
. The Roman domination Latinized the Samnium
Samnium
Samnium is a Latin exonym for a region of south or south and central Italy in Roman times. The name survives in Italian today, but today's territory comprising it is only a small portion of what it once was. The populations of Samnium were called Samnites by the Romans...
leaving also a greatest influence on Pietraroja dialect, in which it is lost every trace of Oscan language previously spoken by Samnites. After the Roman one, Pietraroja has undergone the various dominations of Samnium
Samnium
Samnium is a Latin exonym for a region of south or south and central Italy in Roman times. The name survives in Italian today, but today's territory comprising it is only a small portion of what it once was. The populations of Samnium were called Samnites by the Romans...
(Lombard
Lombards
The Lombards , also referred to as Longobards, were a Germanic tribe of Scandinavian origin, who from 568 to 774 ruled a Kingdom in Italy...
, Norman, Hohenstaufen
Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor
Frederick II , was one of the most powerful Holy Roman Emperors of the Middle Ages and head of the House of Hohenstaufen. His political and cultural ambitions, based in Sicily and stretching through Italy to Germany, and even to Jerusalem, were enormous...
, Angevin
Capetian House of Anjou
The Capetian House of Anjou, also known as the House of Anjou-Sicily and House of Anjou-Naples, was a royal house and cadet branch of the direct House of Capet. Founded by Charles I of Sicily, a son of Louis VIII of France, the Capetian king first ruled the Kingdom of Sicily during the 13th century...
, Catalan-Aragonese
Crown of Aragon
The Crown of Aragon Corona d'Aragón Corona d'Aragó Corona Aragonum controlling a large portion of the present-day eastern Spain and southeastern France, as well as some of the major islands and mainland possessions stretching across the Mediterranean as far as Greece...
, Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, etc.). After Lombard rule under the gastald
Gastald
A gastald was a Lombard official in charge of some portion of the royal demesne with civil, martial, and judicial powers. By the Edictum Rothari of 643, the gastalds were given the civil authority in the cities and the reeves the like authority in the countryside...
s of Telese
Telese
Telese Terme, called simply Telese until 1991, is a city and comune in the Province of Benevento, in the Campania region of southern Italy. It is located in the valley of the Calore, well known for its hot sulfur springs.-History Telesia:...
, Pietraroja was part, from the 12th to the 14th century, of the fief of the Sanframondos, a family of Norman origin. Their possessions included, among the others, the territories of Cerreto Sannita
Cerreto Sannita
Cerreto Sannita is a comune in the Province of Benevento in the Italian region Campania, located about 60 km northeast of Naples and about 25 km northwest of Benevento...
, Cusano Mutri
Cusano Mutri
Cusano Mutri is a comune in the Province of Benevento in the Italian region Campania, located about 60 km northeast of Naples and about 35 km northwest of Benevento...
, Pietraroja, Guardia Sanframondi
Guardia Sanframondi
Guardia Sanframondi is a town and comune in the Province of Benevento, Campania region, Italy. It is best known for the penitential rite held every seven years.-Geography:...
, Limatola
Limatola
Limatola is a comune in the Province of Benevento in the Italian region Campania, located about 35 km northeast of Naples and about 30 km west of Benevento...
, San Lorenzo Maggiore
San Lorenzo Maggiore
San Lorenzo Maggiore is a town and comune in the province of Benevento, in the Campania region of southern Italy. It is a member of the Titerno "Local Action Group".-Festivals:...
, Massa
Massa
Massa is a town and comune in Tuscany, central Italy, the administrative centre of the province of Massa-Carrara. It is located in the Frigido River Valley, near the Alpi Apuane, some 5 kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea....
, Faicchio
Faicchio
Faicchio is a comune in the Province of Benevento in the Italian region Campania, located about 50 km northeast of Naples and about 30 km northwest of Benevento. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 3,867 and an area of 43.9 km²...
, Ponte as well as Dugenta
Dugenta
Dugenta is a comune in the Province of Benevento in the Italian region Campania, located about 35 km northeast of Naples and about 30 km west of Benevento...
in Terra di Lavoro
Terra di Lavoro
Terra di Lavoro is the name of a historical region of southern Italy. It corresponds roughy to the modern southern Lazio and northern Campania regions of Italy....
and Bojano and San Giuliano del Sannio
San Giuliano del Sannio
San Giuliano del Sannio is a comune in the Province of Campobasso in the Italian region Molise, located about 13 km south of Campobasso...
in Molise
Molise
Molise is a region of Southern Italy, the second smallest of the regions. It was formerly part of the region of Abruzzi e Molise and now a separate entity...
. In the 15th century Pietraroja was handed over to the Marzanos family and later to Onorato Gaetani. Subsequently the town was held by the Carafa
Carafa
Carafa is the name of a noble Neapolitan family of Italian nobles, clergy, and men of arts.* Cardinal Oliviero Carafa, , uncle of Paul IV...
, whose possessions were also extended in Molise
Molise
Molise is a region of Southern Italy, the second smallest of the regions. It was formerly part of the region of Abruzzi e Molise and now a separate entity...
; they held it until the abolition of feudalism in 1806.
Pietraroja has been a centre of the Bourbon reaction after the annexation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, commonly known as the Two Sicilies even before formally coming into being, was the largest and wealthiest of the Italian states before Italian unification...
to that of Italy in 1861. With Guardiaregia, Sepino, Campobasso, Cusano Mutri it has been one of the centres of the brigandage of the southern massif of the Matese
Matese
The Matese is a chain of mountains in central Italy, central-southern Apennines.-Geography:...
. In December 1863 the national guard besieged the brigands sheltered in the cave known as Cava dei Briganti and convinced them to go out, saving their lives in change. The promise was not kept and they were shot in the place named Aria corta situated behind the town building, After the unification of Italy, Pietraroja has experiment a strong emigration, especially towards the United States. After World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the flow directed to northern and central Italy and to Europe (Switzerland, Germany and England). The opening of a stone quarry in the place named "Canale", moreover closed subsequently, of a clay quarry in the place "Saure" no more drawn out for the cheap quality and of coloured marble quarry in the place "Pesco Rosito", open but never operating, did not reduce emigration.
Climate
The climate of Pietraroja in the summer is rarely sultry. Due to the strong gradient in its territory, from the 450 m of the place Casolla, near to the fraction "Potéte" to the 1,823 m of Mount Mutria, notable differences in temperature are present, especially in winter. In this last season the cold is sensitive, mainly on blowing of the "bora", the northern wind. Snow is frequent especially on mountain areas. In the near skiing station of Bocca della Selva (in the territory of Cusano MutriCusano Mutri
Cusano Mutri is a comune in the Province of Benevento in the Italian region Campania, located about 60 km northeast of Naples and about 35 km northwest of Benevento...
) it is possible to practise the snow sports and horse-riding.
Economy
The main activities concern the sheep-breeding with production of exceptional handmade cheese and lambs, the bovine breeding with production of caciocavalloCaciocavallo
Caciocavallo is a type of stretched-curd cheese made out of sheep's or cow's milk. It is produced throughout Southern Italy, especially mostly on the Apennine Mountains...
(called "casecavàgli" in dialect, characteristic oval cheese whose pieces are joined in couple with a rope and hanged on horizontal rods to mature them) and meat and the breeding of swines, at family level, from which are got, after desiccation to the cold and to the firewood smoke and following seasoning, the salted meats and the hams of which Pietraroja goes famous. The goodness of this latest product is note through the centuries, to this purpose in the museum of Alife, a comune in the province of Caserta
Province of Caserta
The Province of Caserta is a province in the Campania region of Italy. Its capital is the city of Caserta. The former royal palace of Caserta is located near to the city.It has an area of 2,639 km², and a total population of 879,342...
, it is preserved a manuscript, going up to May 29, 1776, headed "Fornitura di prigiotta al duca di Laurenzana da Pietraroia" ("Supply of prigiotta (hams) to the duke of Laurenzana from Pietraroia"), that is the duke Gaetani of Aragon, lord of the Piedimonte feud. In addition Antonio Iamalio, speaking of Pietraroja in his work on the province of Benevento "Regina of the Sannio" (queen of Samnium in Engl.)(1918), writes: "Flourishing there is mainly the breeding of swine, from which the famous hams of Pietraroja".
Considerable is the production of hay for the livestock nourishment in stables during the winter period.
Pietraroja has a surface for agricultural use of 1797.99 hectares (as of 2000)
Name origin
Its name probably derives from the Latin petra robia ("red cliff") or from the Spanish equivalent piedra roja or French pierre rouge , due to the presence of some limestoneLimestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate . Many limestones are composed from skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral or foraminifera....
of this colour on the oriental side of the Mutria, that overhangs it.
Main sights
At Pietraroja there is an important geo-paleontological park with its museum, the Paleolab, where you can see fossils of considerable importance.Particularly important was the discovery of a baby dinosaur, the first in Italy, which also contains some internal organs: the puppy was named Cyrus by media, while his species was called Scipionyx samniticus Scipionyx samniticus. The discovery of Cyrus has revolutionized the palaeogeography of Italy, formerly held underwater during the Mesozoic era. Among other fossils found at Pietraroja, are to remember those of many fish (including Belonostomus), reptiles (Chometokadmon, Derasmosaurus) and amphibians (Celtedens).
Other sights include the parish church of S. Maria Assunta in San Nicola (patron of Pietraroja) square, in the higher part of the municipality. It was erected with elements of the pre-existing Church of San Paolo, from the old Pietraroja destroyed by the earthquake of the 1688. It has a Romanesque
Romanesque architecture
Romanesque architecture is an architectural style of Medieval Europe characterised by semi-circular arches. There is no consensus for the beginning date of the Romanesque architecture, with proposals ranging from the 6th to the 10th century. It developed in the 12th century into the Gothic style,...
portal (11th century) with the two sides supported by a lioness and a feminine bear nursing two infants and the high-relieves.
Excursions
The easiest place to be reached is the splendid terrace leaning against the characteristic cemetery, from which one can admire an enchanting view at 360 degrees on the territory: mount Mutria and Moschiaturo mountain, the valley of Cusano Mutri, the Solopaca mountain and also the Vesuvius in the clearest days. There are still visible construction rests of the old Pietraroja destroyed by the earthquake.Another interesting excursion for the spectacular views is the edge circuit of the calcareous table of the “Civita”. On its southern part is placed the new one and the third Pietraroja (where is placed the actual cemetery). From its northern part one can see the impressive ravine (place called "Rave") over the fountain “Stritto” (placed in the territory of Cusano Mutri) dug during million of years by the Titerno. In this ravine is placed the inaccessible “Grotta dei Briganti” (cave of the brigands) or “Grotta delle Fate “ (cave of the fairies). The best point of observation is easily reached from the roadway in the place called “Canale”, as soon as out Pietraroja in direction of Sepino, where one needs to turn on the left and to continue toward the place "Ariòla" under the rocky massif on which the “Civita” is situated.
In proximity of Pietraroja, going down along the roadway to Cusano Mutri, taking on the left or also on the right one arrives to the place "Murrùni" from where it is possible to see the water-course of the “Torbido” stream and the places down to Pietraroja.
On the road to Sepino ( in province of Campobasso, Molise), there is the pass of “Santa Crocella”, mountain saddle with landscape of stupendous beech woods among the mountain “Tre Confini” (Three Confinements, 1.419 m above s.l.), next to the "Palombaio” (Columbary) oriental portion of mount Mutria(1.823 m above s.l.) and Moschiaturo mountain (1.470 m above s.l.). The pass marks the border between the municipalities of Pietraroja and Sepino, as well as between the provinces of Campobasso and Benevento and between Campania and Molise.
On the same roadway, about one kilometre before reaching “Santa Crocella” pass, one can visit, turning on the left, the place “Pesco Rosito” ( rosy rock in Engl.) from which was extracted the red stone that has given the name to Pietraroja. From here it is possible also to effect the scaling to the top of the "Palombaio" or to go to the wood “Torta” bordering up "Campitello", place in territory of Guardiaregia ( province of Campobasso).
From “Santa Crocella” pass, before the beech wood, taking the wide path to the right of the roadway, the scaling to the Moschiaturo mountain is easy also to not professional climbers. One reaches the fountain "Làu Pésula" ideal for picnic owing to the goodness of its spring water and the coolness of the beech wood. Just before this source the path turns to the left and climbs the “Moschiaturo” on summit of which can be admired an enchanting panorama on the high territory of Benevento.
Another excursion, not to miss for the superb panoramas on Campania and on Molise, is that on mount Mutria. Besides climbing it hardly at the centre, coasting along the big circular rocky formation named “Giumenta Bianca” ( white mare in Engl.), the easiest way is to go to the skiing place “Bocca della Selva” (mouth of the forest in Engl.), hamlet of Cusano Mutri, situated to the feet of the western part of the mountain. Reached the shelter “I tre faggi” (the 3 beech trees in Engl.) of the same place, must be taken the road on the right that climbs on the left side of the mount(called "Mutilìgliu"). Left the mean of transport at the end of the road there is the path, with the depicted signs to be followed, that leads to the central top of the mount.
The aforesaid torrential bed of the Titerno can be gone along by the trekking lovers. To this purpose it needs to go in the place named "Campusciàru" attainable from the aforesaid country road leaving from the place named “Canale”. After a few meters it turns on the right and continues for some kilometers up to the bridge on such stream in which it is possible to go down.One meets a lot of natural basins of running water (called "ùrvi" in dialect) the greatest of which are that named "Pénta" and "Ursu", this latter after a jump of many meters. It is not attainable from the bed of the stream so it needs to make the path that follows on the left the same stream.
Another trekking run is the ascent of "Torbido" stream, tributary of the Titerno, the bed of that passes below the "Potéte" hamlet. To reach it one needs to take the road to Cusano Mutri and, in the place "Vigne", to turn to the left and to go down for the road to "Potéte". Arrived at the bottom, before the bridge on "Torbido", one takes to climb its bed. It is possible to see the plant that brought the water to the stone tub of the old mill of Pietraroja and to reach the water basin called "Cùru de la Cucózza" (bottom of pumpkin).
These are the main itineraries that nevertheless don't exhaust the runs can be done because the great vastness of Pietraroja territory. In these excursions it is possible to meet with the interesting local flora and fauna.
Cannot be passed under silence the lot of fountains of Pietraroja, furnishing fresh and light water, so diuretic and detoxifying, near which to have pleasant picnics. Neglecting those in the centre, the nearest are that close at the geo-paleontological museum and that in the place "Canale" as soon as out Pietraroja, to the left of the road to Sepino where are also present seats.Going on the same road, after a kilometre about, one meets on the right the fountain of the "Salice" (willow) near the buildings of the place "Cesamari". Proceeding forward, after the second cross-road, taking the direction to Morcone one meets the attended fountain of the "Radica" (root) that takes water from the water-bearing stratum of the Moschiaturo mountain ("Rufènza" in dialect).These fountains are comfortably reached, wanting however to enjoy water sources plunged in suggestive woods one needs to make also some way on foot. In precedence it is already said how to reach, departing from the "Santa Crocella" pass, the fountain "Làu Pesola" at the foot of the Moschiaturo mountain. Climbing on this last, following the path before described, in the place "Valle Grande" (wide valley in Engl.,"Vàlle rànna" in dial.) is found the very cold fountain called "Cursarégliu". To arrive there, once reached the peak, one takes the comfortable path in direction of the confinements of Sepino walking about a kilometre. Interesting is also the fountain of the "Tasso" (yew tree), that is found in the place "Filette" ("Fulètte" in dial.); at the first cross of the road to Sepino, on the left one takes the direction that brings to "Bocca della Selva".
Flora and fauna
Among the trees in Pietraroja's trritroy are the beechBeech
Beech is a genus of ten species of deciduous trees in the family Fagaceae, native to temperate Europe, Asia and North America.-Habit:...
es ("fài" in dialect), the oak
Oak
An oak is a tree or shrub in the genus Quercus , of which about 600 species exist. "Oak" may also appear in the names of species in related genera, notably Lithocarpus...
s ("cèrque"), the chestnut trees, the maple
Maple
Acer is a genus of trees or shrubs commonly known as maple.Maples are variously classified in a family of their own, the Aceraceae, or together with the Hippocastanaceae included in the family Sapindaceae. Modern classifications, including the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group system, favour inclusion in...
s, the minor maples ("ócchi"), the elms ("ùrmi"), the fir
Fir
Firs are a genus of 48–55 species of evergreen conifers in the family Pinaceae. They are found through much of North and Central America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa, occurring in mountains over most of the range...
s and the pine
Pine
Pines are trees in the genus Pinus ,in the family Pinaceae. They make up the monotypic subfamily Pinoideae. There are about 115 species of pine, although different authorities accept between 105 and 125 species.-Etymology:...
s (not native of the place), the poplars ("chiùppi), the ashes, the flowering ashes, the Turkey oak
Turkey Oak
Quercus cerris, the Turkey oak is an oak native to southern Europe and Asia Minor. It is the type species of Quercus sect. Cerris, a section of the genus characterised by shoot buds surrounded by soft bristles, bristle-tipped leaf lobes, and acorns that usually mature in 18...
s, the linden
Tilia
Tilia is a genus of about 30 species of trees native throughout most of the temperate Northern Hemisphere. The greatest species diversity is found in Asia, and the genus also occurs in Europe and eastern North America, but not western North America...
s ("téglie"), the filbert trees ("ullàne"), the willows ("sàuci"), the osier
Willow
Willows, sallows, and osiers form the genus Salix, around 400 species of deciduous trees and shrubs, found primarily on moist soils in cold and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere...
s, ("vétèche") the wild apple-trees ("melàini"), the wild pear-trees ("peràini"), the ilexes ("ìuci"), the yew-tree
Taxus
Taxus is a genus of yews, small coniferous trees or shrubs in the yew family Taxaceae. They are relatively slow-growing and can be very long-lived, and reach heights of 1-40 m, with trunk diameters of up to 4 m...
s, the junipers ("inépri") and the hollies ("arifógli").
Among the grassy and woody plants are aromatic marjoram
Marjoram
Marjoram is a somewhat cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavours...
("mairàna" in dialect), oregano
Oregano
Oregano – scientifically named Origanum vulgare by Carolus Linnaeus – is a common species of Origanum, a genus of the mint family . It is native to warm-temperate western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region.Oregano is a perennial herb, growing from 20–80 cm tall,...
, thyme
Thyme
Thyme is a culinary and medicinal herb of the genus Thymus.-History:Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming. The ancient Greeks used it in their baths and burnt it as incense in their temples, believing it was a source of courage...
, wild fennel
Fennel
Fennel is a plant species in the genus Foeniculum . It is a member of the family Apiaceae . It is a hardy, perennial, umbelliferous herb, with yellow flowers and feathery leaves...
("fenùcchiu"), anise
Anise
Anise , Pimpinella anisum, also called aniseed, is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. Its flavor resembles that of liquorice, fennel, and tarragon.- Biology :...
("pimpinèlla"), wild mint ("menta sàuza")], those edible chicory
Chicory
Common chicory, Cichorium intybus, is a somewhat woody, perennial herbaceous plant usually with bright blue flowers, rarely white or pink. Various varieties are cultivated for salad leaves, chicons , or for roots , which are baked, ground, and used as a coffee substitute and additive. It is also...
, asparagus
Asparagus
Asparagus officinalis is a spring vegetable, a flowering perennialplant species in the genus Asparagus. It was once classified in the lily family, like its Allium cousins, onions and garlic, but the Liliaceae have been split and the onion-like plants are now in the family Amaryllidaceae and...
("spàracu"), sprout of butcher's broom
Butcher's broom
Ruscus aculeatus is a low evergreen Eurasian shrub, with flat shoots known as cladodes that give the appearance of stiff, spine-tipped leaves. Small greenish flowers appear in spring, and are borne singly in the centre of the cladodes. The female flowers are followed by a red berry, and the seeds...
, water cress ("cannea"), borage
Borage
Borage, , also known as a starflower, is an annual herb originating in Syria, but naturalized throughout the Mediterranean region, as well as Asia Minor, Europe, North Africa, and South America. It grows to a height of , and is bristly or hairy all over the stems and leaves; the leaves are...
("urràccia"), edible thistle
Thistle
Thistle is the common name of a group of flowering plants characterised by leaves with sharp prickles on the margins, mostly in the family Asteraceae. Prickles often occur all over the plant – on surfaces such as those of the stem and flat parts of leaves. These are an adaptation that protects the...
("càrdu chìnu")], those with edible fruits [the 2 kinds of blackberry
Blackberry
The blackberry is an edible fruit produced by any of several species in the Rubus genus of the Rosaceae family. The fruit is not a true berry; botanically it is termed an aggregate fruit, composed of small drupelets. The plants typically have biennial canes and perennial roots. Blackberries and...
bush with the corresponding fruits ("murrìcule"), the raspberries
Raspberry
The raspberry or hindberry is the edible fruit of a multitude of plant species in the genus Rubus, most of which are in the subgenus Idaeobatus; the name also applies to these plants themselves...
, the strawberries ("fràule"), the cornels
Dogwood
The genus Cornus is a group of about 30-60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae, commonly known as dogwoods. Most dogwoods are deciduous trees or shrubs, but a few species are nearly herbaceous perennial subshrubs, and a few of the woody species are evergreen...
("vrignàli"), the hawthorn
Common Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna, known as common hawthorn or single-seeded hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn native to Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia. It has been introduced in many other parts of the world where it is an invasive weed...
prunellas ("trìnche")], those medicinal valerian
Valerian (herb)
Valerian is a hardy perennial flowering plant, with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers which bloom in the summer months. Valerian flower extracts were used as a perfume in the sixteenth century....
("valleriàna"), angelic
Angelic acid
Angelic acid is a monocarboxylic unsaturated organic acid. It is mostly found in the plants of the family Apiaceae. German pharmacist Ludwig Andreas Buchner isolated angelic acid in 1842 from the roots of garden angelica which gave the acid its name. Angelic acid is a volatile solid with a biting...
, gentian
Gentian
Gentiana is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Gentian family , tribe Gentianeae and monophyletic subtribe Gentianinae. With about 400 species, it is considered a large genus.-Habitat:...
, gentianella
Gentianella
Gentianella is a plant genus in the Gentian family .-Species:*Gentianella alborosea - Hercampuri*Gentianella amarella - Autumn Gentian, Felwort*Gentianella anglica - Early Gentian...
, camomile ("cammumìlla"), hyssop
Hyssop
Hyssop is a genus of about 10-12 species of herbaceous or semi-woody plants in the family Lamiaceae, native from the east Mediterranean to central Asia. They are aromatic, with erect branched stems up to 60 cm long covered with fine hairs at the tips. The leaves are narrow oblong, 2–5 cm...
("isópu"), milfoil
Milfoil
Milfoil can refer to:*The flowering terrestrial plant yarrow *The aquatic plants in Genus Myriophyllum...
, the flowers dogrose ("rosa janàra"), hollyhock
Hollyhock
Alcea , commonly known as hollyhocks, is a genus of about 60 species of flowering plants in the mallow family Malvaceae. Most species are native to southwest and central Asia, although a few are native to southeast Europe or Egypt...
("mmàrva"), althaea
Althaea (genus)
Althaea is a genus of 6-12 species of perennial herbs native to Europe and western Asia. It includes Althaea officinalis, also known as the marshmallow plant, whence the fluffy confection got its name. They are found on the banks of rivers and in salt marshes, preferring moist, sandy soils. The...
("malvónu"), wild carnation
Carnation
Dianthus caryophyllus is a species of Dianthus. It is probably native to the Mediterranean region but its exact range is unknown due to extensive cultivation for the last 2,000 years. It is the wild ancestor of the garden carnation.It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 80 cm tall...
, iris
Iris (plant)
Iris is a genus of 260-300species of flowering plants with showy flowers. It takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colors found among the many species...
, cyclamen
Cyclamen
Cyclamen is a genus of 23 species of perennials growing from tubers, valued for their flowers with upswept petals and variably patterned leaves...
("scocciapiàtti"), snowdrop
Snowdrop
Galanthus is a small genus of about 20 species of bulbous herbaceous plants in the Amaryllis family, subfamily Amaryllidoideae...
, broom
Broom
A broom is a cleaning tool consisting of stiff fibers attached to, and roughly parallel to, a cylindrical handle, the broomstick. It is thus a variety of brush with a long handle. It is commonly used in combination with a dustpan....
("jnéstra"), poppy
Poppy
A poppy is one of a group of a flowering plants in the poppy family, many of which are grown in gardens for their colorful flowers. Poppies are sometimes used for symbolic reasons, such as in remembrance of soldiers who have died during wartime....
("papàgnu"), daisy wheel, sweet violet ("viulètta"), primrose
Primula vulgaris
Primula vulgaris is a species of Primula native to western and southern Europe , northwest Africa , and southwest Asia...
("viòla iànca")], those poisonous belladonna, hemlock
Conium
Conium is a genus of two species of highly poisonous perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the family Apiaceae, native to Europe and the Mediterranean region as Conium maculatum, and to southern Africa as Conium chaerophylloides....
, hellebore
Hellebore
Commonly known as hellebores, members of the genus Helleborus comprise approximately 20 species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae, within which it gave its name to the tribe of Helleboreae...
, equisetum ("córa de órba"), mistletoe
Mistletoe
Mistletoe is the common name for obligate hemi-parasitic plants in several families in the order Santalales. The plants in question grow attached to and within the branches of a tree or shrub.-Mistletoe in the genus Viscum:...
("viscògna")]. Other plants of considerable diffusion are the red thorn
Thorns, spines, and prickles
In botanical morphology, thorns, spines, and prickles are hard structures with sharp, or at least pointed, ends. In spite of this common feature, they differ in their growth and development on the plant; they are modified versions of different plant organs, stems, stipules, leaf veins, or hairs...
("spinapóce"), the masculine and feminine fern
Fern
A fern is any one of a group of about 12,000 species of plants belonging to the botanical group known as Pteridophyta. Unlike mosses, they have xylem and phloem . They have stems, leaves, and roots like other vascular plants...
s, the elder ("sammùcu") and the wild elder ("mùnnegliu"), the rush
Juncaceae
Juncaceae, the rush family, are a monocotyledonous family of flowering plants. There are eight genera and about 400 species. Members of the Juncaceae are slow-growing, rhizomatous, herbaceous plants, and they may superficially resemble grasses. They often grow on infertile soils in a wide range...
("jùncu"), the euphorbia ("tutumàglia"), the ivy
Ivy
Ivy, plural ivies is a genus of 12–15 species of evergreen climbing or ground-creeping woody plants in the family Araliaceae, native to western, central and southern Europe, Macaronesia, northwestern Africa and across central-southern Asia east to Japan and Taiwan.-Description:On level ground they...
("èllera"), the wild carrot
Wild carrot
Daucus carota is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to temperate regions of Europe, southwest Asia and naturalised to northeast North America and Australia; domesticated carrots are cultivars of a subspecies, Daucus carota subsp...
, the mercurial grass ("èrva mercurèlla"), the ononis spinosa
Ononis spinosa
Ononis spinosa is a plant belonging to the family Fabaceae, that is commonly known as spiny restharrow or just restharrow. It is found throughout much of Europe but seldom as far north as Scotland.-External links:*...
("rumàca"), the bittersweet
Solanum dulcamara
Solanum dulcamara, also known as bittersweet, bittersweet nightshade, bitter nightshade, blue bindweed, Amara Dulcis, climbing nightshade, fellenwort, felonwood, poisonberry, poisonflower, scarlet berry, snakeberry, trailing bittersweet, trailing nightshade, violet bloom, or woody...
("turcamàra"), the soap-plant ("èrva sapunàra"), the arctium lappa ("cazzarégli"), the welted thistle, the carding thistle
Thistle
Thistle is the common name of a group of flowering plants characterised by leaves with sharp prickles on the margins, mostly in the family Asteraceae. Prickles often occur all over the plant – on surfaces such as those of the stem and flat parts of leaves. These are an adaptation that protects the...
, the absinth ("nascénzu"), the rumex
Rumex
The docks and sorrels, genus Rumex L., are a genus of about 200 species of annual, biennial and perennial herbs in the buckwheat family Polygonaceae....
("lampàzzu"), the verbascum,the wild turnip
Turnip
The turnip or white turnip is a root vegetable commonly grown in temperate climates worldwide for its white, bulbous taproot. Small, tender varieties are grown for human consumption, while larger varieties are grown as feed for livestock...
("rapèsta"), the dandelion ("cicòria paròla").
The recoverable edible fungi are the agaric
Agaric
An agaric is a type of fungal fruiting body characterized by the presence of a pileus that is clearly differentiated from the stipe , with lamellae on the underside of the pileus. "Agaric" can also refer to a basidiomycete species characterized by an agaric-type fruiting body...
("virno"), the field mushroom ("petranùgliu"), the craterellus
Craterellus
Craterellus is a genus of generally edible fungi similar to the closely related chanterelles, with some species recently reassigned to this genus. They are distinguished by their lack of gill-like structures on the underside of their caps....
("scardarella"), chanterelle
Chanterelle
Cantharellus cibarius, commonly known as the chanterelle, golden chanterelle or girolle, is a fungus. It is probably the best known species of the genus Cantharellus, if not the entire family of Cantharellaceae. It is orange or yellow, meaty and funnel-shaped...
("gaglinella"), the honey mushroom ("chiuìttu"), the cauliflower mushroom
Cauliflower mushroom
Sparassis is a genus of parasitic and saprobic mushrooms characterised by their unique look. Its look can be described as similar to a sea sponge, a brain, or a head of cauliflower, from which it has been given its popular name.They are increasingly cultivated and being sold in the Korea, Japan,...
("retélla"), the parasol mushroom
Parasol mushroom
The parasol mushroom is a basidiomycete fungus with a large, prominent fruiting body resembling a lady's parasol. It is a fairly common species on well-drained soils. It is found solitary or in groups and fairy rings in pastures and occasionally in woodland...
, the Caesar's mushroom, the penny bun
Penny bun
A penny bun or a penny loaf was a small bread bun or loaf which cost one old penny at the time when there were 240 pence to the pound. A penny loaf was a common size loaf of bread in England regulated by the Assize of Bread Act of 1266. However, the cost of the loaf could vary depending on the...
or boletus edulis
Boletus edulis
Boletus edulis, commonly known as penny bun, porcino or cep, is a basidiomycete fungus, and the type species of the genus Boletus. Widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere across Europe, Asia, and North America, it does not occur naturally in the Southern Hemisphere, although it has been...
and others not picked up by the inhabitants.
Also the fauna once numerous, reduced by hunting, is slowly recovered after the institution of protected oasis. Birds include eagle
Eagle
Eagles are members of the bird family Accipitridae, and belong to several genera which are not necessarily closely related to each other. Most of the more than 60 species occur in Eurasia and Africa. Outside this area, just two species can be found in the United States and Canada, nine more in...
and the crow
Crow
Crows form the genus Corvus in the family Corvidae. Ranging in size from the relatively small pigeon-size jackdaws to the Common Raven of the Holarctic region and Thick-billed Raven of the highlands of Ethiopia, the 40 or so members of this genus occur on all temperate continents and several...
. Currently they are still found the goshawk ("rastarégliu" in dialect), the magpie
Magpie
Magpies are passerine birds of the crow family, Corvidae.In Europe, "magpie" is often used by English speakers as a synonym for the European Magpie, as there are no other magpies in Europe outside Iberia...
("pica"), the blackbird ("mérgliu"), the trush ("tùrdu"), the woodpecker
Woodpecker
Woodpeckers are near passerine birds of the order Piciformes. They are one subfamily in the family Picidae, which also includes the piculets and wrynecks. They are found worldwide and include about 180 species....
("tòcculacèrqua), the cuckoo
Cuckoo
The cuckoos are a family, Cuculidae, of near passerine birds. The order Cuculiformes, in addition to the cuckoos, also includes the turacos . Some zoologists and taxonomists have also included the unique Hoatzin in the Cuculiformes, but its taxonomy remains in dispute...
("cucùru"), the crow
Crow
Crows form the genus Corvus in the family Corvidae. Ranging in size from the relatively small pigeon-size jackdaws to the Common Raven of the Holarctic region and Thick-billed Raven of the highlands of Ethiopia, the 40 or so members of this genus occur on all temperate continents and several...
("ciàula"), the wagtail
Wagtail
The wagtails form the passerine bird genus Motacilla. They are small birds with long tails which they wag frequently. Motacilla, the root of the family and genus name, means moving tail...
("ciùcciapannèlla"), the wood-lark ("calandrèlla"),the robin
European Robin
The European Robin , most commonly known in Anglophone Europe simply as the Robin, is a small insectivorous passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family , but is now considered to be an Old World flycatcher...
("pétturùssu"), the goldfinch
Carduelis
The genus Carduelisis a large group of birds in the finch family Fringillidae. It includes the greenfinches, redpolls, goldfinches, linnets, the twite, and the non-African siskins...
("cardìgliu"), the chaffinch
Chaffinch
The Chaffinch , also called by a wide variety of other names, is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae.- Description :...
("frungìgliu), the blackcap
Blackcap
The Blackcap is a common and widespread sylviid warbler which breeds throughout temperate Europe, western Asia and northwestern Africa, and winters from northwestern Europe south to tropical Africa...
("capunéra"), the thrush
Thrush (bird)
The thrushes, family Turdidae, are a group of passerine birds that occur worldwide.-Characteristics:Thrushes are plump, soft-plumaged, small to medium-sized birds, inhabiting wooded areas, and often feed on the ground or eat small fruit. The smallest thrush may be the Forest Rock-thrush, at and...
("tùrdu), the missel thrush (" tardèca") the nightingale
Nightingale
The Nightingale , also known as Rufous and Common Nightingale, is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher, Muscicapidae...
("rasciagnogliu"), the swallow
Swallow
The swallows and martins are a group of passerine birds in the family Hirundinidae which are characterised by their adaptation to aerial feeding...
("rundinèlla"), the sparrow
Sparrow
The sparrows are a family of small passerine birds, Passeridae. They are also known as true sparrows, or Old World sparrows, names also used for a genus of the family, Passer...
("pàssaru"), the bat
Bat
Bats are mammals of the order Chiroptera "hand" and pteron "wing") whose forelimbs form webbed wings, making them the only mammals naturally capable of true and sustained flight. By contrast, other mammals said to fly, such as flying squirrels, gliding possums, and colugos, glide rather than fly,...
("sparpagliónu"), the owl
Owl
Owls are a group of birds that belong to the order Strigiformes, constituting 200 bird of prey species. Most are solitary and nocturnal, with some exceptions . Owls hunt mostly small mammals, insects, and other birds, although a few species specialize in hunting fish...
("cuccuàina"), the long-eared owl
Long-eared Owl
The Long-eared Owl - Asio otus is a species of owl which breeds in Europe, Asia, and North America. This species is a part of the larger grouping of owls known as typical owls, family Strigidae, which contains most species of owl...
("àsciu").
Among the mammals are the wild boar, the fox
Fox
Fox is a common name for many species of omnivorous mammals belonging to the Canidae family. Foxes are small to medium-sized canids , characterized by possessing a long narrow snout, and a bushy tail .Members of about 37 species are referred to as foxes, of which only 12 species actually belong to...
("òrba"), the badger
Badger
Badgers are short-legged omnivores in the weasel family, Mustelidae. There are nine species of badger, in three subfamilies : Melinae , Mellivorinae , and Taxideinae...
("tasciola"), the dormouse
Dormouse
Dormice are rodents of the family Gliridae. Dormice are mostly found in Europe, although some live in Africa and Asia. They are particularly known for their long periods of hibernation...
("agliéri"), the hedgehog
Hedgehog
A hedgehog is any of the spiny mammals of the subfamily Erinaceinae and the order Erinaceomorpha. There are 17 species of hedgehog in five genera, found through parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and New Zealand . There are no hedgehogs native to Australia, and no living species native to the Americas...
, the weasel
Weasel
Weasels are mammals forming the genus Mustela of the Mustelidae family. They are small, active predators, long and slender with short legs....
("nìzzela"), the mole
Mole (animal)
Moles are small cylindrical mammals adapted to a subterranean lifestyle. They have velvety fur; tiny or invisible ears and eyes; and short, powerful limbs with large paws oriented for digging. The term is especially and most properly used for the true moles, those of the Talpidae family in the...
("tupanàra") and others can be seen. Other present kinds are the tree-frog, the green lizard
Green Lizard
Green Lizard is a band from Tilburg, Netherlands that plays rock and roll, with influences from grunge, punk, hardrock and metal.-Past members:* Jasper Dankaart - drummer* Jan-Jaap Onverwagt - bassist...
, the toad
Toad
A toad is any of a number of species of amphibians in the order Anura characterized by dry, leathery skin , short legs, and snoat-like parotoid glands...
("óttu"), the snail
Snail
Snail is a common name applied to most of the members of the molluscan class Gastropoda that have coiled shells in the adult stage. When the word is used in its most general sense, it includes sea snails, land snails and freshwater snails. The word snail without any qualifier is however more often...
(the white one and that great ochre)("ciammétta"), the and the viper
Viperidae
The Viperidae are a family of venomous snakes found all over the world, except in Antarctica, Australia, Ireland, Madagascar, Hawaii, various other isolated islands, and above the Arctic Circle. All have relatively long, hinged fangs that permit deep penetration and injection of venom. Four...
. Even if it is interesting, one pass over a lot of kinds of insects elsewhere disappeared for the intensive agriculture. One finally signalises the presence of trout
Trout
Trout is the name for a number of species of freshwater and saltwater fish belonging to the Salmoninae subfamily of the family Salmonidae. Salmon belong to the same family as trout. Most salmon species spend almost all their lives in salt water...
and crayfishes in the torrents; these last, once present, are now in phase of reintroduction.
Folklore
Pietraroja has also been hometown of wizards and witches (called janàre in the local dialect).Sources
- Antonio Iamalio, La Regina del Sannio, P. Federico & G. Ardia, Naples 1918.
- Mario D'Agostino, La reazione borbonica in provincia di Benevento, II ed. Fratelli Conte Editori, Naples, 2005
- Rosario Di Lello, Brigantaggio sul Matese, i fatti del 1809 in Pietraroja, in Rivista Storica del Sannio, Benevento, Tip. De Toma, II, I(1984) pp. 25–36
- Rosario Di Lello, "Le feste di S. Nicola in Pietraroja, tradizione e storia", in Annuario 1986, Associazione Storica del Medio Volturno (A.S.M.V., http://asmvpiedimonte.altervista.org/ )1987 pp. 143–148