Faicchio, ancient walls
The walls were built by the Samnites who populated the region, and scholars have dated them between the 6th and 7th centuries BC; but the first settlements in the territory of the Titerno Mountain Community date back to the Neolithic era, favored by the abundance of water, vegetation, and animal life. The archaeological finds that are now preserved and exhibited in the Sannio museum in Benevento trace the stages of human evolution from when man, nomadic and hunter, following the waterways, arrived in the Titerno valley. The remains of stilt villages and the discovery of necropolises, pottery, and tool artifacts clearly outline the path of man through various phases, from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age, from the Iron Age to the founding of Rome.
Of Roman times are both the aqueduct of Fabio Massimo, from the 3rd century BC, still functioning; and the “Ponte dell’Occhio”, a humpback bridge resting on polygonal pillars, built over the Titerno river to facilitate communications between the populations of Matese and those of Monte Erbano,
Maples, lindens, beeches, oaks, ashes, and medicinal plants characterize the area, covering the sides of the surrounding mountains. The karst phenomenon manifests itself on the clayey and dry terrain with a rare and magnificent example of “polje” similar to those in the Matese massif, creating a one-kilometer-long basin with a flat and vegetation-free bottom, called the Monk’s Field, which remains enclosed between Monte Monaco di Gioia and Monte Erbano.
The Titerno river
Along the Titerno river, at the foot of Monte Monaco di Gioia, atop a tuff block stands Faicchio, the ancient Faìfola, with its Ducal Castle towering over the houses clustered on the small hill. The village was originally inhabited by the Pentri Samnites, skilled traders and craftsmen, and as warlike as needed to conquer all the tribes of Campania and Basilicata; the minting of copper coins favored the rapid economic development of the Samnite civilization, which soon became a real threat to the Romans. The threat of this excessive territorial expansion soon led to battle with Rome, which reasserted its power by defeating them and forcing their flight. Alternating events and continuous submissions lead to the medieval period, when the Ducal Castle became a gathering point for the people, who began to develop their homes and activities around the feudal lord’s residence.
1151 is the certain chronological reference to which the manor is traced, owned by the First Count of Cerreto Guglielmo I Sanframondo; the structure is today in excellent condition thanks to the restoration work carried out by the current owner, the lawyer Umberto Fragola. But the first renovations of the castle date back to 1479 by the Duke of Maddaloni followed in 1612 by restorations ordered by Gabriele de Martino. This is confirmed by the plaque placed on the entrance portal. The structure then survived the terrible earthquake centered in Venafro that nearly destroyed Faicchio on June 5, 1688, Pentecost day. The castle has four cylindrical towers at the corners, a large partially porticoed courtyard, the weapons and armor hall, secret passages, the prison cell, salons with original eighteenth-century furnishings, and it was the seat of the Free Faculty of Tourism Sciences; some rooms, once the guardhouse, are still used for receptions, and a hotel, the Dukes’ Hotel, operated until a few years ago. The building is highly evocative, immediately sparking imagination of eras when chivalry and conspiracies went hand in hand, and while the Duke asserted his right of “prime noctis”, wolves, ghosts, and storms disturbed the nights.
