Many attribute the origins of today's Taurasi to the ancient Taurasia, an ancient Hirpinian city. The name of the city is contained in the inscription on the tomb of L. Scipio Barbatus, which recalls Taurasia among the centers he conquered during the third Samnite War (ORELLI, Inscr., 550). The site (and its inhabitants) had a harsh fate: it was destroyed in 268 BC, confiscated and returned to the ager publicus populi Romani, where the Apuan Ligurians, who had been removed from their homes follo read more
Many attribute the origins of today's Taurasi to the ancient Taurasia, an ancient Hirpinian city. The name of the city is contained in the inscription on the tomb of L. Scipio Barbatus, which recalls Taurasia among the centers he conquered during the third Samnite War (ORELLI, Inscr., 550). The site (and its inhabitants) had a harsh fate: it was destroyed in 268 BC, confiscated and returned to the ager publicus populi Romani, where the Apuan Ligurians, who had been removed from their homes following their rebellion against Rome, were subsequently settled in 180 BC by order of the Senate (Liv., XL, 38). The problem, however, is that while the existence of Taurasia is certain, its exact location is much debated. The Romans certainly set foot in Taurasi, as can be seen from the typical 3 x 21 cm bricks found at the base of the Porta Maggiore, of which we show you a photograph. In Roman times, the Taurasi countryside was intensively cultivated by settlers from nearby Aeclanum (at the Mirabella Pass). The current village, presumably founded by the Lombards around the 8th century, developed in the Middle Ages, during which Taurasi grew around the Castle. Its subsequent destruction by the Saracens is certain, but its date is uncertain (910 or 925 or 995). The castle saw its importance increase significantly following its expansion and fortification during the Norman domination, around 1100. Conquered by Ferrante d'Aragona in 1461, and destroyed by bombing in 1496, the village was a fief of the Gesualdo, who in 1582 built the Church of the SS Rosario and Convent of S. Domenico, of the Filangieri and of the Latilla (with the title of Marchesi). Among the dramatic past events, in addition to the wars, the plague of 1656 was particularly dramatic, which halved the population.
The main evidence of the village of Taurasi is the Castello Marchionale, also called "Palazzo Marchionale"
Its construction probably dates back to the 7th century AD, in the period marked by the Lombard domination. Destroyed by the Saracens between 900 and 910, it was expanded by the Normans in the 12th century, with the addition of a keep. Over time, however, the Taurasi Castle has undergone several transformations and has seen the succession of different owners, including the De Taurasi, the Gesualdo, the Caracciolo, the Pignatelli and the Carafa. Today, this historic building is owned by the Municipality and, after some restoration work, it has been used, since 2006, as the headquarters of the Regional Wine Shop for Irpinia Wines, located on the second floor of the building. On the lower floor, however, are the stables, where the “Tau Sensory Path” has been set up, which guides the visitor to discover the Taurasi DOCG, Fiano di Avellino DOCG and Greco di Tufo DOCG wines. Among the spaces to admire in the Marchionale Castle, there are also various rooms of characters linked to the history of the town, among which the so-called "Prince's Room" stands out, or "Gabriele D'Isola" Hall where, in 1566, Carlo Gesualdo, one of the most famous Italian composers, was born. Finally, another space of notable beauty is the Chapel of San Pietro a Castello, where it is possible to admire a marble altar and the vault finely stuccoed by angels.
The other building of interest is the Collegiate Church of San Marciano Vescovo. Although it is not the seat of a diocese, the religious building is also known by the name of "Duomo di San Marciano", to the point of influencing the name of the square on which it stands. Probably built in the 7th century AD on the ruins of a pagan temple, it was destroyed by the Saracens and reconsecrated in 1150. On 18 March 1590, it took the title of "Collegiata" and, in 1745, it was rebuilt again in Baroque style. Over time, the Collegiata has maintained this last appearance, preserving its very simple façade, partly hidden by the imposing Castello Marchionale. Walking up the wide staircases and crossing a refined stone portal, above which there is a niche with the fresco of San Marciano, created by Antonio Froncillo in 1997, it is possible to access the interior of the religious building. A chapel is also dedicated to the patron saint, embellished with a large shell and flanked by other chapels, including one built in honour of Maria Santissima del Monte Carmelo. Finally, to enhance the artistic value of the sacred place, there are some niches, dedicated to Saint Anna, Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Gerard Maiella. A place of worship with a centuries-old history, the Collegiate Church of San Marciano Vescovo is the common thread that links the Taurasi community to its Patron Saint. read less
