Overview
Noble residences, courtyard houses and ancient churches characterise the historical centre of Ruffano. The heart of the village is the Brancaccio castle, built as a stately home on the remains of an early medieval fortress. The arches of the loggia connect the manor to the 18th-century Chiesa Matrice dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On the night between 15 and 16 August, the village of Torrepaduli hosts the feast of San Rocco, when the 'dance of swords', known as 'pizzica a scherma', is held in the square in front of the church, a ritual originally staged by pilgrims, some of Roma origin, who camped in the square. Improvised rounds in which the challengers simulate a dancing duel, accompanied by the pressing rhythm of tambourines, miming knife blades with their fingers.
Ruffano LE, Italia
