Discover Arpaise: History, Churches and Regional Highlights

Arpaise combines historic sites and churches with nature-based activities and regional highlights. As you plan your trip, the different themes can help you match the destination’s character with your interests: Terranova offers historical points of interest, while excursions, cycling and outdoor fitness provide other focuses. There is also an annual patron saint festival and seasonal produce.

History and traces of the past in Terranova

Terranova is described as a well-established settlement or a fortified military outpost dating from the 12th to 13th century. After being destroyed in wartime, the town was rebuilt at a higher location around the second half of the 15th century. The castle adds architectural traces to this historical picture: its walls and towers remain clearly visible. This brings together an early history described in terms of two possible interpretations and tangible remains.

The Cappella Confraternita del S. Rosario di Terranova also connects different periods. Its origins can be traced back to the time of the Council of Trent; the chapel was built in 1898. It houses a wooden statue of S. Maria del Pigno from the 18th century. The information therefore concerns both the chapel’s history and its later construction date, as well as an artwork with its own historical context.

Churches with different historical contexts

The Chiesa di Maria Santissima delle Grazie has a rectangular nave and an apse. It reopened in 1987, following the 1980 earthquake and subsequent restoration work. The architecture and this sequence of events provide different points of reference: the floor plan describes the church’s form, while its reopening marks a chapter in its more recent history.

The Santuario dei SS. Cosma e Damiano in Terranova Fossaceca dates from 1934. At that time, the former church, dedicated to Santa Maria, was demolished. The sanctuary thus adds another specific historical date to the story of Arpaise’s churches.

Excursions and activities

Geo-naturalistic excursions are organised in Arpaise. Cycling and outdoor fitness are also among the sports and leisure activities. These themes represent different ways to include the surroundings and leisure time in your trip planning: on the one hand, organised excursions with a natural history focus; on the other, cycling and exercise outdoors. Together with the historic buildings, they offer a range of interests to help guide your choice of destination.

Regional products and an annual festival

Arpaise is a truffle area recognised by the Agriculture Department of the Campania Region for “Tuber magnatum Picco 1788”. The truffle is round and yellowish-white. During the autumn months, “Castagne del prete” are also produced in the hamlet of Terranova; they are considered soft and sweet. The two specialities also differ in terms of timing: the truffle is part of the recognised area designation, while the production of the chestnuts is specifically mentioned as taking place in the autumn months.

The festival in honour of the patron saints Cosma e Damiano is celebrated every year in Terranova di Arpaise. If you would like to plan your trip around this occasion, check the dates for your intended travel period.

Discover more destinations: Montesarchio, Pesco Sannita, Campoli del Monte Taburno, San Salvatore Telesino, Bucciano, Fragneto Monforte, San Bartolomeo In Galdo, Buonalbergo.

Return to the main travel overview: Benevento.