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INFO
Altitude: 452 mt a.s.l -- Population: ca. 2000 inhabitants
-- Zip/postal code: 71028 -- Phone Area Code: 0881
-- Patron Saint: Sant'Agata celebrated on 5 February and San Rocco on 16 august
HISTORY:
In Roman times the Castrum was called Artemisium, and the name was changed in 592 when Pope Gregorius Magnus ordered the remains of St. Agatha to be moved to Rome.
In medieval times the castle was at the head of the whole area, and under the Lombards it was a garrison of the Dukedom of Benevento. Oral tradition tells the legend of Captain Agatone, Lord of Sant'Agata, killed by his barber who did not like his lord to exact the "ius primae noctis".
In the 11th century the castle was under the Normans, and Abagelardus tried to organize a rebellion against Duke Robert Giuscard, who in retaliation sieged Sant'Agata in 1079. In 1086 the lord of the castle was Guiscard's son, Roger of Altavilla, and in 1133 the Norman king Roger II took it under his rule.
In the 15th century the parish church was built and the castle was transformed into a stately dwelling.
WHAT TO SEE
Cathedral of Sant'Agata, built in the early 17th century, with a baroque facade
The Castle, situated at nearly 800 meters, already recorded in Norman times, had military functions for many centuries, then in the 15th century was changed into a residence. It is possible to see today the outer fortification walls, while the inside quarters were restored many times.
EVENTS
3 to 5 February, distribution of loaves of bread in honor of St. Blaise and St. Agatha
18 August, a historical re-enactement
24 december, the Christmas Eve procession with thousands of torches
27 to 29 December, Capodanze, a national festival of folk dances and music
30 December, Festival of the Pizza Fritta
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