San Potito Sannitico

San Potito Sannitico, a small town (ca 2,000 inhabitants) located on the slopes of the Matese Massif, hosts the headquarters of Matese Regional Park and the offices of the Alto-Casertano Ecomuseum. Off the historical city centre (m 280 a.s.l.) it is possibile to reach, passing through imposing woods of beech trees and impressive woodland areas (a mixed copse), the high Monte Pastonico (m 1640). Once there the visitor can enjoy a spectacular view of the entire Medio Volturno Valley.

Although historians cannot produce any solid evidence of the town’s date of origin, the findings of tombs and ruins belonging to the Terme di Ercole (in the area called Torelle) date back to the last period of Sanniti civilization. Moreover, many documents refers to the town as Casale Anniti Potiti. The name, on the other side, clearly originates from the religious worship for the II century a.C. martyr St Potito.

The historical city centre plan looks as an example of a rather omogenous minor architecture: narrow streets bordered by courts and small squares that become larger when facing the main palazzi whose stucco works decorations date back to the 17th and 18th century.

A significant sight is Palazzo Filangeri di Candida Gonzaga, built in the 18th century and enlarged in the 19th. The building, which resembles in a minor scale the Royal Palace in Caserta, has been declared a monument of historical interest in 1993.

The economy is mainly based on services (70%,), industry (16%) and agriculture (14%). It is worth noting the growth of B&B accomodations, farmhouses and country houses (320 beds and 210 meals). Throughout the year squares, winding streets, buildings, terraces and manor farms of the town become the hosting place for many cultural and sport events.

Because of the high figures of international participants, two are the main events: FateFestival (July and August) and the World Paragliding Championship.

Since 1999 a Christmas market takes place yearly on the first weekend in December.