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The town of Oliveto is one of the preeminent historic major in the High and Middle Sele.

>From the Culture Oliveto Cairano, witnessed from villages and ancient necropolis, Luke annexation to the people, the Samnites to Norman, the land of Oliveto was interesting scenario of historical and cultural heritage, thanks to its privileged geographical position.

Myths and legends blend history, making the trip to Oliveto rich experience and unexpected treasures.

The town is so well known because of pilgrimage for the repeated appearances of Our Lady of the Castle.

It is no coincidence Oliveto part, since dall'VIII century BC, the culture of "Oliveto-Cairano", which under the Fossakultur was characterized by strong conservative tendencies, as detected from many corredi tomb; geographically culture that embraced the centers that run in dell'Ofanto, so Cairano, Calitri, Bisaccia, Morra de Sanctis, and those located along the Sele, Oliveto Citra, Montercovino Rovella up to the mountains Picentini.
The "culture Oliveto-Cairano" showed also substantial affinity with the culture dell'opposta Adriatic shore, clear sign of a continuing series of exchanges, namely the origin of a first group of people from that area.

In the second half of century BC consolidated the Greek presence on the Tyrrhenian coast with the center of Pitecusa (Ischia) and the founding of the colony of Cuma, the encounter with a more advanced civilization had a disruptive effect on communities of Campania, some of which will trassero But significant benefits.
Became a pole of attraction Pontecagnano, having greater political homogeneity, it is likely that at this time the people of Oliveto-Cairano crossing the saddle of Conza and go in Salerno, creating new settlements, one of the largest Oliveto [Citra]; in Indeed this is a system of several villages - reported from areas of the necropolis - organized, presumably, around the main housing Civita, the hill behind the country's current view supported by the sepulchral finds that, indeed, come from various locations Oliveto Citra: Rounds, Sophia Hague, Fontana Volpacchio, Piceglia, Cava dell'Arena, Vazzano, Isca, Casale, in addition, of course, Civita, except for the latter, it is generally necropolis placed in a chronological arc running from end of the fourth century BC
It is assumed that these populations, given the conditions and favorable position, dedicated to the control of trafficking that occurred precisely between the coast and the Adriatic Sea.
I corredi tomb of the fourth century BC are very similar to those found in other towns of Campania sannitizzata clear sign that Oliveto also participated in this phenomenon occurred during the second half of the fifth century BC, findings of pottery of this age, they develop a relationship with the center's wall Diano, which Buccino and Athena Lucana.

Now the Campania was launched to another era, which began with the conquest of the Samnite outpost of Etruscan Capua, around 400 BC
Also in this period the people of Oliveto, as well as throughout the area, had to have a secondary role, which were in some way to merge because it is no coincidence that since then are no longer visible characters distinctive culture material called "Oliveto-Cairano."

The local people were so influenced by the Samnites to be involved in the Samnite War III against the Romans, who saw them defeated and subjugated in 290 BC about: a legend reports that the Civita was destroyed as an act of retaliation.

Some tracks do assume that there are still settlements later, precisely Roman.

In the early 1900s was found, in the resort called Puceglia, the armor comprises a Roman one of the assumptions made about this discovery quite unusual for the area, is based on the theory of several scholars (D. ... Siribelli, 1972) according to which the territories near Oliveto (perhaps near the town of Quaglietta) were scenario of the death of the great Spartacus and his nearly sixty thousand men at the hands of Roman troops in 71 BC

There then follows a fairly dark, especially for a historical reconstruction that will define this, again, as often happens, the legend is combined with it: there is to know that in the period full of the crisis, the people to Oliveto were grouped in small groups in some places that still bear the names of saints - there was in full was Christian! -. Began to assume a certain importance, for a period long enough, the community in the locality called Casale, which erected the early Christian church of S. Maria de Faris (or Foris).

The territory of Oliveto was included in the Lucania, whose northern borders were defined by their Sele: it was part until the fall of following the barbarian invasions, with the arrival of the Lombards was annexed along with the other centers Valley around 590 AD, in the Duchy of Benevento.

The centuries that followed, as known, were marked by a deep state of political chaos and social, due to continuing internal struggles between the Lombards for succession; this favored, between mid-IX and all the X century AD, the raids the Saracens, who often also on a great quarters of Oliveto.

Some historical references regarding a certain center with the name of "Oliveto", appearing at the Normans, meanwhile overlapped with the Lombards now in decline, the official historiography ago to begin their domination around the second half of 1000: Salerno was conquered by the Normans in late 1070.

The formation of the kingdom of the Normans lead to the emergence of numerous Baronie who had the inherent seed of the revolt, constant throughout the history of the monarchy in Southern Italy: that they founded, in fact, caused the break between city and countryside, giving space the baronial class that increasingly devalues the land of free, thus fueling the Gap between the people and the dominant power.

One consequence was the phenomenon of and foundations of new settlements, responding to the morphology of establishments arroccavano and aggregating around a core fortified, both signs of the establishment of land-territorial lordships.

Even the inhabitants of various localities of Oliveto, then moved around the new castle, built by the Normans precisely to ensure their protection; was built, consequently, on top of a large rock formation, which naturally dominated the whole valley, with obvious functions of defense and incorporating a Celtic design, moderate applicant in fortified Norman architecture.
The first time some of medieval times is the 1114: A document refers to negotiations involving S. Maria de Faris (or Foris), hamlet of Oliveto (news not certain), between the lord of Balvano Jonathan and William de Touille.

More specifically Oliveto is remembered at the catalog of the Barons; now, and until the Renaissance, Oliveto Castle was the seat of feudal lords and local barons.
In the years 1260-70 Oliveto was feud of Giovannucci (Johannucius de Oliveto); period also coincided with the start of ferocious domination Angevin.
Around 1290 Charles II of Anjou the Giustizierato divided in two, creating the "Principatus a Serris Montorio Citra" and "P. Serris in Montorio Ultra", namely the principality Citeriore, today the province of Salerno, and P. Further, the province of Avellino.
>From an important document, dated December 15 1300, comes news that Charles II, for the war against the Aragonese Vespers, when seeking support for feudal lords ago the name, among others, Johannucius de Oliveto.
E 'of recent years, around 1330, which also has news of a dispute for the possession of Oliveto of the feud between Baron De Ruggiero and Lion of Monticchio.
Around 1400 William Grappino, husband of Felizzano, dell'Oliveto lady of the land, sold to the feud Cubella Cesualda, Countess of Buccino, who had the investiture by King Ladislaus.

In 1417, under the reign of Joanna II, succeeded his brother King Ladislaus, the land of Oliveto was granted Cola Grappino Gasparri. Later, the family Grappino, was stripped of the feud to "Felloni committed", and granted to the Prince of Salerno.
In 1444 Ferdinand II of Aragon, then king of Naples as Alfonso II, a confirmation Ferrante Dias (or Diaz) Garlon, Count of Alife, possession of lands and the Principality Oliveto Citra.
In 1495, despite having followed the Aragonese in arms, Ferrante Dias was reinstated by King Charles VIII of France to lord of Oliveto.
>From 1556 until the early seventeenth century belonged to Oliveto Blanch; below half of the century, the Marquis Marcantonio Cioffi of Salerno, then the Marquis of Roar, his sole heir.

In the second half of'700, Galanti in "The Geographical Description and policy Sicilies", identified Oliveto [Citra] within the sub regional del Vallo di Diano, formed in particular by: Brienza, Buccino, Countryside, Eboli, Marsiconuovo, Moliterno, Oliveto, Padula, Sala.

In this context it is defined, as a result, the balance of power in society. Galanti postponed at the thought that the'500 began to define the concept of "urban identity", defining the criteria detailed specific studies.

Among the many treaties published, one in particular considered the Principality Citra with great favor, in fact wrote S. Mazzella in "Descrittione the Kingdom of Naples (Naples 1586):" ... its people, in person willing, kind of cheerful, ready the ship scholars of virtue, in negotiating cunning, and pleasant, and dedicated to profit, are etiandio industrious, and inclined to traffic .... "

These sources were following a dual policy of recognition of the city: the first derivation of church and city offices of bishops and the Archbishop, the second linking two different elements, or historical tradition and presence of noble families in the community.

Following this criterion, Oliveto was identified as a city of the Principality Citra, together with other far more important population issues, such as Eboli or Giffoni.

Currently, the castle takes the name of "Guerritore", by Andrea Guerritore, patrician of Ravello, which had been the fief of Oliveto-Senerchia around 1850.

In 1811, a decree murat had cut the Principality Citra in four districts: Salerno, Countryside, Pathhead and Vallo della Lucania: Oliveto was annexed to the district campaign.

The unity of Italy administratively reorganized the territory, so the municipalities to the right of Sele (Senerchia, Caposele, Calabritto) were attributed to the province of Avellino, while those to the left (Contursi, Oliveto, Colliano, Valva, Laviano, Santomenna and Castelnuovo C.) to the province of Salerno.
Later, the name was added Oliveto Citra, clear reference to its membership of the Principality.


Places to See
Norman castle, built around 1110 by the will of William de Touille; houses inside a section of the Provincial Archaeological Museum "

Romanesque campanile

Our Lady of Consolation Church, mid eighteenth century

Church St. Maria della Misericordia, The Cathedral Church of St. Oliveto Citra Maria della Misericordia back in the late'80s from the eighteenth century (his building began in 1775 and was officiated around in 1783).
E 'structured on three naves longitudinal confluent in a cross, or the applicant plant a Latin cross.
At the base of the dome, which insists on three major pillars, depicts the four Evangelists; very interesting is the "fastigium."
At present in the Cathedral Church of Oliveto Citra there are, besides the principal, ten polychrome marble altar, dating back almost all dell'800 between the end and beginning of the'900.
There are also additional presences of particular importance, little known, however, to the community:
an oil on canvas of Our Lady of the Rosary of E. Gaifi (1700 ca .- 1770), the only work that remains of the artist olive grove, but that requires an urgent restoration.
Particular attention also deserves the Archives Parish, which includes manuscripts dating from the mid-sixteenth century. Even in this case would require a patient and careful work of restoration, ricatalogazione new location and what it contains, a great cultural heritage and memory for Oliveto.
The Cathedral Church is full of works, some of these are valuable and worthy of consideration, if they mention a few:
* Painting "Last Supper", Oil on Canvas, Neapolitan school, the second half eighteenth century
* Bust of San Macario ", silver embossed chiseled, eighteenth century Neapolitan school
* Painting "The Holy Family with St. John," oil on canvas, circle of G. Imparato seventeenth century
* "Christ Crucified", wood carved / painted eighteenth century Neapolitan school
* Painting "St. Francis receiving roses from the Virgin and Child", oil on canvas, the eighteenth century Neapolitan school
* Painting "St. Anthony in ecstasy", oil on canvas, the eighteenth century Neapolitan school

Madonna delle Grazie Church
The Church St. Maria delle Grazie, in the Chiaia district, dates back to the last years of the fifteenth century. On the vault of the portal stone, the work of craftsmen bells, an inscription reads: SACELLUM HOC AD1497, Cottage ELABORATUM OB TOT VIRGINIS OF PARA
MIRACULA FUTURE IN HANC formam REDACTUM ELEGANTIOREM
"Year of the Lord 1497. This church, rustic prepared for all the wonders of the Mother of God, time is built in this most refined"
The Church is a aisle and a central principal.
There are signs of work on adaptation Repeated and / or extension (but which have little information), there are indeed differences both structural and aesthetic.
The church bears traces of frescoes and decorations, it is clear that in the past, although in his local small and peripheral, was very full of interesting art.
Fragments of frescoes are visible in the vaults of the nave, restructured as a result of the first extension works and who pay into a state of fairly critical, among others, you can distinguish a deposition.
You can still admire some stucco decorations plastic molded of putti, shells and floral motifs, the foot of the altar there are the remains of a majolica floor of the'700.
In the aisle right there is a wooden choir (bright example of local workmanship, or at least surrounding areas), supported by two columns showing the grooves in the middle (as epigraph should go back to 1880 ca).
Among the works in the church, the most important is clearly the altar - oil painting - depicting the Madonna delle Grazie, author unknown.
The work is presented in a good state of preservation, having been restored recently. The theme is very iconographic applicant in popular traditions: a madonna dispenser of grace that disseta purgative souls with the same milk that gives life to the Child; for that reason, the tradition is called "Madonna del Latte."
In principle the altar of the Virgin of Milk "should be dated to the last years of the fifteenth century, recalling the late-Gothic style in northern and especially that of French origin.
In fact according to history, the French Ferrante Dias awarded the title of Lord of Oliveto, thus establishing a link with the province bell.
It should be noted, however, the performance by a Maestranza, and therefore the province: This clarify the character traits of the Virgin, inconsistent with the rest of the altarpiece.
The face of the Virgin, in fact, it seems a recall Tuscan model, attributable to the workshop of Botticelli or Piero della Francesca, a newer model, therefore, than any other figure in the show.
This does not exclude the possibility that the Virgin of milk has been achieved over a long period, or who has been completed in the early sixteenth century.
However, if the altar was specially built for the Church of Our Lady of Grace, then its fulfillment should be before 1497, the year of building the church.
Although it is possible that the shovel was completed in the years immediately after, or that his original destination was the church of Our Lady of Grace and that therefore there has been translated at a later time. This could make it a reliable chronology of the blade by the first decade of the sixteenth century.
Another significant work is a Christ crucified in wood; the work was recently restored.
E 'possible datarla to the seventeenth century., Production is attributable, of course, the Neapolitan school time. The study and preliminary restoration work has confirmed that the arms of Christ who appeared before the restoration, were not attributable to the same author or shop, but for unknown reasons were added much later age, then following the opinion of Superintendence, the crucifix is currently without arms.
E 'can admire, again, a wooden statue, also depicting the Madonna and Child of Grace (M. del Latte), recently restored. Beyond the matter, technology and the iconographic theme quite obvious, unfortunately there is no further news, and it is very difficult to establish even a date, should be clearly the work of local artists.
All plastic-figurative works described above, is not currently located within the Church, because of the state in which it finds itself, that is not secure custody and protection, are then exposed, thanks to a willing group of people, at times linked to religious worship.

The Castle of Oliveto Citra, restructured as a result of the earthquake of 1980, has a significant meaning for both the architectural value of the site, which for the aesthetic value of the place: it lies at the heart of the village, in a dominating position the valley below, is therefore very close relationship that binds the castle to the historical and cultural tradition and Urbanism of Oliveto.
His first structures date back to Norman, where, around the middle of 1100, William de Touille feud had in the territory of Oliveto; is conceivable that around the fort, began to rise to a new town, a consequence of that phenomenon better known incastellamento as very frequent in the south of Italy and obvious functions related to defense.
In full Renaissance castle, while maintaining the old foundations, was rebuilt with another type of high, appropriate to the needs of the new architecture of fortification baronial because the castle came to the feudal lords who live by mid-1500 at the end of 1700 held Oliveto. From about 1550 to the early'600 there were Blanch, then went to the Marquis Marcantonio Cioffi of Salerno and, in the second half of'700, for branch parentage, to Macedonia, the Marquis of Reggiano; Castle today is called "Guerritore" By Andrea Guerritore, patrician of Ravello and last Lord of Oliveto.
As today remains, however, of particular charm, is still the summary of the history of Oliveto Citra: the teams are typically visible, the walls that loses the corners for the presence of ancient towers, and some windows with characters seventeenth-century style, or at least late Renaissance.
In addition to the groups already restructured and useful, where was I set up the plot of the Provincial Archaeological Museum, the work of rehabilitation and restructuring staff retraining other spaces inside the castle, to bring it back in modern function at the heart of the city.


Provincial Archaeological Museum
In the museum are displayed around a fifty corredi tomb is still to be left in the Museum of Salerno a representative sample of the "culture of Oliveto-Cairano."
Very evocative costumes ornamental women, so rich and unique; through chart support on reconstruction, it was the idealized feminine face adorned with the characteristic pendants, earrings and pendants, and embellish their arms with bracelets beautiful heart-shaped.
I corredi women show a remarkable wealth with absolutely characteristic elements: the body appears to overload in all parts of ornaments, as witnessed, in addition to fibule / brooches common to both sexes in every period, earrings, necklaces, weapons, the bracelets, the pendants, rings, which appear in associated with a particular abundance.

Very uncertain to say to what extent could the funerary furnishings reflect the actual costume, especially when the weight and size of some ornaments, often combined quantity, the suspicion use only exceptional (fibule / brooches parade).
Truly singular the pendants consisting of three spiral, each in an "on batocchio" (but enriched on both sides with appendices side, likely teriomorfe decorations, that is a deity or mythical figure depicted in an animal) to be hung to veil covering his head, taking the side of the face at some earrings.

Equally striking the bronze pendants, shaped Oinochòe (brocchetta) - absolutely exceptional at Oliveto Citra - used in picena area, and then across the Adriatic area average, and agree to form, books in the same culture.

The image hieratic and solemn women of Oliveto Citra, and as a distinctive characteristic of this ancient culture, is therefore the ideal synthesis of an initial approach to the history of this territory.


Oliveto Sacred

The Norman Castle is now, some years ago, famous for the repeated reports of apparitions of the Virgin, is therefore of pilgrimage by the faithful.

On the evening of 24 May 1985, while the Garibaldi square was crowded with people and enlivened by music from the concert for the celebration of the feast of the calendar Macarius Patron Saint Abate, a group of 12 boys played in the square of the medieval castle.
The boys were in the square since shortly before had seen a shooting star that is directed towards the castle.
E 'should remember that fact because the project to inspire the kiosk in the shape of a star, built at the gate, such as Madonna had requested.

I heard the kids crying of a baby from the other side of the iron gate that cuts the road that leads from the square at the entrance to the castle, had not yet taken up by dismay when they saw the gate this side of a beautiful young Lady, with the baby in her arms, calling the 12 small seers not to flee and not be afraid.

A young, very skeptical about it, noticed from there shortly, after a few moments she saw the Madonna: a young woman of indescribable beauty with the child on the right arm, dressed in white mantle with the heavenly thread with double gold , A yellow belt around the life and a crown of stars around the head, his feet posavano on a bank of clouds, from the child's hands hung a crown of the Rosary.
The vision for left-handed children and invited the girl not to flee: all visionaries were shocked.
The girl was brought to the hospital of the place: visited, the specific questions were posed to make sure of his psychological conditions, we concluded that the girl was healthy but traumatized: he had seen something.

>From that night began a long series of visions for other visionaries. These are subjected to rigorous discernment: you look at their human qualities to ensure that they are not easy to suggestions to the imagination.

The gate of the apparitions has become the destination of pilgrimages continue, in particular the first Saturday of each month, in addition to other very significant date: May 24 (anniversary of appearance), Aug 5 (birthday of Our Lady), Dec. 8 (Immaculate Conception ).

Oliveto C. was also the land of S. Gerade Majella, universally recognized and called for "Angel of the population," Patron of mothers "," protector of women, "because he worked miracles and wonders for mothers in the delicate period of gestation and the particular predilection manifested itself in a way Overtime after death, but began when he was alive.

Oliveto Citra the experience so evident: during a brief visit to a family forgot a handkerchief. For the road reached a young girl sent to recover; Gerardo as always smiled, but not taken: "No, no - said the girl - keep well, one day you will serve." A few years later, now married, the expectation of difficult first child led her in the end of life. Remembered brother Gerardo and asked the handkerchief, remained forgotten for so long. The miracle was immediate and birth gladdens a happy family.
The news spread immediately cross-border and regional citizens. Oliveto to the handkerchief was torn to pieces ever smaller because all they wanted at home the precious relic. So the widespread tradition of having the home-handkerchief blessed with the image of Saint Gerard.

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