Vitulano

Nestled on the slopes of the Taburno-Camposauro massif, overlooking the Calore Valley and the hills of the Benevento Sannio, Vitulano is a suggested village in the intern of the countryside, located in the province of Benevento and one of the most suggestive stops along the south of Via Francigena. Protected by mountain ridges and facing a vast panoramic landscape, the village lies along ancient roadways that, since Roman era, connected the Campanian plain with the inland areas, making it for centuries a crossroads for shepherds, monks, and travelers.

The origins of the village date back to the Lombard era, when local populations moved from the lowlands to higher ground in search of safety and protection. Some theories link the toponym “Vitulano” to the gens Vitulia, while others trace it to the Latin term vitulus (calf), in reference to the area’s ancient pastoral vocation.

Today, the historic center conserves the authentic soul of a Samnite mountain village: calcareous stone buildings, paved alleys, ancient fountains, and yellow tuff arches opening onto hidden courtyards and panoramic views.

Among its most notable monuments there is the Church of the Holy Trinity, featuring a valuable wooden altar and eighteenth-century frescoes; the Church of San Menna, patron saint of the village and a hermit whose story is deeply rooted in the territory; and the ancient Convent of the SS. Annunziata and Sant’Antonio, built in the 17th century and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. But the true soul of the village lies in its stone: Vitulano is known for its fine marble quarries, which over the centuries have supplied materials for palaces and churches in Naples, Rome, and even the Royal Palace of Caserta. The “brecciated” marble of Vitulano, with its gray, pink, and ochre veins, is a symbol of identity that binds together art, work, and landscape.

The territory is an invitation to slow-paced exploration: well-marked trails cross the Taburno-Camposauro Regional Park, among beech forests, flower-filled clearings, and ancient mule tracks. At higher altitude, it’s possible to encounter grazing herds and observe birds of prey, while the lower areas are dominated by olive groves, hazelnut groves and fruit trees. Water sources have always sustained agricultural life and contributed to the reputation of local products.

Vitulano’s cuisine is rich in rustic, genuine flavors: dishes such as lagane e ceci, soups pasta with chickpeas, and pasta with walnuts tell of a deep connection with the seasons and the land’s offers. Meat is the main character of the ancient recipes — seasoned sausages, mutton stew, and grilled pork shoulder accompanied by raw milk cheeses and naturally leavened bread baked in wood-fired ovens. Naturally, local extra virgin olive oil and Taburno red wine are a must.

Throughout the year, Vitulano comes alive with events blending devotion, folklore, and community. The festivity of San Menna the Hermit, held in June, is among the most heartfelt, featuring processions, fireworks, street markets, and evening’s music. There are also festivals dedicated to local products, collective hiking days, and cultural initiatives that rediscover the village’s farming and artisanal roots.

Two other major annual events are the Vitulano Marble Sculpture Symposium in summer (usually August) and the Chestnut and Vitulano Pecorino Festival in early November.

The Vitulano Marble Sculpture Symposium is a prestigious artistic event that has been held for over a decade, attracting Italian and international sculptors to work directly with Vitulano’s prized red and gray marble, known for its distinctive veining. The works are created outdoors, often in the presence of the public, turning the village into an open-air art studio. This event not only highlights sculptural art but also celebrates the local marble tradition, with a strong cultural and touristic impact.

Vitulano marble is highly prized and has been used in numerous historic, artistic, and monumental contexts:

In Italy

·       Royal Palace of Caserta: for the Sezione d’amore and the Palatine Chapel

·       Royal Palace of Naples and Royal Palace of Portici, as well as the Duomo, the National Museum of Naples, the         San Carlo Theatre, the Stock Exchange, the Central Post Office, and churches such as those of the Pellegrini, Gesù         Nuovo, and the Mother Church of the Cemetery

·       Rome: Torlonia Chapel of St. John Lateran and the Church of the Holy Apostles

·       Benevento and surroundings: Chamber of Commerce, Central Post Office, Railway Station, and churches in the         Vitulano Valley

Abroad

·       Moscow, Kremlin: Vitulano marble is used in the Kremlin’s spires

·       France, Great Britain, North America, Australia: used in prestigious buildings since the 19th century

The “Open-Air Art Space” is in the garden linking the Church of the Holy Trinity with the historic Chapel of the Nobles. It is a pathway that unites art, architecture, and history. The Church of the Holy Trinity, built between the XVI e XVII centuries, includes within it the historic Chapel of the Nobles (also called the Chapel of the Immaculate) located at the rear of the sacred building. Behind it lies the permanent exhibition, where each sculpture enriches the space like a museum display, but in the open air and illuminated by natural light.

The Civic Contemporary Art Gallery (VIP – Pinacoteca Civica d’Arte Contemporanea) is housed in the former Courthouse building of the ex-magistrate on three levels, overlooking the central Piazza of the Holy Trinity and at the entrance to the “open-air art route.”

Its core collection was born from the Camposauro International Art Prize, established in 1981 (preceded in 1980 by artistic initiatives in the village). The invited artists donated paintings, sculptures, and graphic works, forming a significant and valuable collection. In later editions, artists continued this tradition of donation, for this motive it is still possible to admire an important collection featuring works by relevant Italian and international artists, including Mimmo Paladino, Jannis Kounellis, Nicola Mastrocinque, Peter Krawagna, Franco Lo Cascio, Salvatore Lovaglio, Piero Strada, Antonio Bertè, and many others.

The Chestnut and Vitulano Pecorino Festival has been an event held for over thirty years and celebrates two typical products of the Vitulano territory: the “enzeta” chestnut and Vitulano pecorino, a local cheese with an intense, traditional flavor. During the festival, visitors and tourists can enjoy typical dishes, attend folk performances, visit artisan markets, and discover the area’s farming traditions. This event represents an important occasion to enhance local food and wine excellence and promote rural tourism in the Vitulano Valley.

Nestled in the green heart of the ancient woods of the Camposauro massif, the Vitulano Adventure Park offers a unique experience for adults and children, combining fun, sports, and nature. This green oasis is located in Serre del Campo, approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, and is easily accessible for those with disabilities.