Exploring the medieval town of Sant’Agata de’ Goti

When Italy is mentioned, one immediately thinks of football, mafia, the iconic film The Godfather, along with picturesque churches and medieval towns… And Sant’Agata de’ Goti is one such place.

Discovering Italy: Exploring the medieval town of Sant’Agata de’ Goti

The charming town of Sant’Agata de’ Goti is located in the Benevento province of the Campania region, stretching from the foot of Mount Taburno (1,394 meters) to the Martorano river.

The origin of the town's name is said to derive from the Gascony De Goth family who ruled here in the 14th century.

An interesting fact is that Mr. Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York City from 2010 to 2013, is actually a descendant of the Gascony lineage from this Italian town.

His grandfather of the mayor left his hometown in the early 1920s to the promised land to pursue the American dream like many Europeans of that time.

With a population of only about 11,300 people, Sant’Agata de’ Goti holds a treasure: the picturesque beauty of ancient churches nestled amidst the peaceful cobblestone streets, mirroring the simple life of this region over hundreds of years.

First and foremost is the Church of the Annunciation, built in 1239. Later, it was rebuilt and expanded in the 14th century in Gothic style. The church is renowned for the Judgment painting, attributed to the painter Ferrante Maglione in the 15th century.

San Franceso Church is part of a complex consisting of a church and monastery, built since 1267 with impressive Baroque architecture. The church features a stunning painting by St. Francis dating back to 1650.

The Santa Maria di Costantinopoli Church was built in the 18th century, on the site of an old prayer house dedicated to Saint Bartolomeo de Ferraris, adjacent to the convent of the Sisters of the Savior. The church facade exudes elegant Baroque style.

But perhaps the most beautiful is the Duomo church with its grand majestic dome reaching up into the Italian azure sky on a beautiful sunny autumn day.

This Catholic church dates back to around the 7th-8th century. After undergoing architectural renovations, the church transitioned to Romanesque style. However, earthquakes damaged the church, leading to its reconstruction in Baroque style.

Leaving the old town area and biking across Martorano Bridge, I glance back at the town with its ancient houses perched delicately yet gracefully along the riverbank. The feeling is somewhat ironic considering their existence since medieval times.

Farewell to the beautiful Sant’Agata de’ Goti, we continue on our journey to conquer Italy ahead.

According to Tuổi Trẻ

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide