Gesualdo, Campania
| Gesualdo | |
|---|---|
| — Comune — | |
| Comune di Gesualdo | |
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|
 Gesualdo
|
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| Coordinates: 41°00′N 15°04′E / 41°N 15.067°ECoordinates: 41°00′N 15°04′E / 41°N 15.067°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Campania |
| Province | Avellino (AV) |
| Frazioni | Torre dei Monaci, Piano della Croce |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Carmine Petruzzo (since June 13, 2004) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 27 km2 (10 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 640 m (2,100 ft) |
| Population (December 31, 2004) | |
| • Total | 3,828 |
| • Density | 140/km2 (370/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Gesualdini |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | 83040 |
| Dialing code | 0825 |
| Patron saint | St. Nicholas |
| Website | Official website |
Gesualdo is an Italian comune in the region of Campania, province of Avellino, with about 3,800 inhabitants. It 'called "The City of Prince of Music," in honor of Carlo Gesualdo. The town, located in the middle of Irpinia, between the valleys of Fredane dell'Ufita and, behind a ridge. Gesualdo is situated about 100 km from Naples. How to reach it: Autostrada Napoli - Bari, exit Grottaminarda; then proceed along the S.S. 303 and the S.S. 428 for 11 km.
[edit] History
The town was founded by the Lombards in 650 A. D. who built the castle to defend the borders of their domains. In the Middle Ages, Gesualdo was the capital of a great feud that dominated more than 30 cities. In the Renaissance, the castle and the town became an important center of culture and arts, thanks to the presence of Carlo Gesualdo.
[edit] Overview
The village has many churches, fountains, great belvederes, a beautiful medieval old town and a castle dating back to the Middle Ages, which has been partially rebuilt since the Irpinia earthquake in 1980. The castle was long the home of Renaissance nobleman, composer, and murderer Carlo Gesualdo, who was Prince of Venosa and known for his madrigals. Each year there are many events that attract thousands of visitors, be noted : the representation of the Passione di Cristo on Good Friday, The Volo dell'Angelo, The Palio dell'Alabarda in honor of Carlo Gesualdo, Sapere & Sapori food and wine festival and the Gesualdo Folk Event in the month of August, the Presepe Vivente in the Christmas period and many cultural events in honor of Carlo Gesualdo throughout the year. Gesualdo is also remembered for Padre Pio, who lived in the village for and beyond one year.
German director Werner Herzog made a short feature in the village (Tod für fünf Stimmen), while guest starring the popular singer Milva. Composer Igor Stravinski, fully fledged with the impressive music of Prince Carlo Gesualdo, paid a visit to the village and the dominating castle. Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci planned to shoot a movie about the dramatic Carlo Gesualdo's life and music but the plan was regretfully never accomplished.
Surrounding municipalities are Sturno, Villamaina, Frigento, Fontanarosa, Grottaminarda.
[edit] External links
- Comune di Gesualdo
- Pro Loco di Gesualdo
- Gesualdo e Carlo Gesualdo
- www.carlogesualdo.eu
- www.gesualdo.eu
