INCREASING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MONTORO CASTLE AND ITS FORTIFIED AREA

The aim of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of the castle and fortified area on the hill of the Borgo di Montoro settlement, in the province of Avellino, Italy. It is our belief that only through in-depth study can the foundations be laid for an effective strategy of restoration and enhancement of sites distinguished by historical, architectural, and environmental value. The fortified area under examination lies along the Solofra–Mercato S. Severino–Sarno axis, which roughly coincides with the hydrographic basin of the Sarno River and its tributary, the Solofrana. This territory, characterized in the Middle Ages by a succession of dominations (Goths, Greek- Byzantines, Lombards, Normans, Swabians, Angevins), is dotted with numerous castles, dating back to the Lombard period, in an era marked by frequent sieges caused by the instability of the borders between principalities, and facilitated by communication routes running along the valleys. The site is of particular interest both from an environmental and a historical-architectural perspective, as, in addition to the castle, it preserves two defensive walls with numerous watchtowers. Within (or immediately adjacent to) these fortifications, a settlement must have once stood, along with as many as five religious buildings, churches and chapels, the most notable being the Sanctuary of St. Pantaleone, a miracle-working physician highly venerated in the area, whose bell tower is integrated into one of the ancient watchtowers.