Bonito, Province of Avellino, Campania
Located between the Arvi and Calore on the top of a hill on the south-eastern slopes of Mount Calvario, on the left side of the Ufita valley, along the border with the province of Benevento, the place enjoys uncontaminated air and a mild, healthy climate.
Info
- Altitude: 490 m a.s.l
- Territory: hilly
- Population: about 2400 inhabitants in 2017
- Zip/postal code: 83032
- Dialing Area Code: +39 0825
- How to reach it: Autostrada Napoli - Bari, exit Grottaminarda, then the SS90 of Puglie for 10 Km toward Avellino as far as the crossroads to Bonito
- Patron Saint: St. Bonito of Clermont celebrated on 15 January
- Frazioni & Localities: Beatrice, Cinquegrana, Grieci, Maleprandi, Masiello Tordiglione, Morroni.
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History
According to scholars, the name of Bonito derives from the cult of Saint Bonito, a French bishop that lived during the 7th century. In France there are at least 12 towns that have his name. Later this Saint was known also in Italy where a Roman family built two chapels in Amalfi and Ravello. From this family the name of Bonito passed to the Castle and the village surrounding it.
What to see
- The parish Church of the Assunta, with inside the tomb of S. Crescenzo, an 11-year-old martyr that died during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletianus (284-305 AD).
- Sanctuary of Maria SS. Della Neve: located in Morroni, the modern sanctuary was built in the place where a lady holding a child appeared to some farmers during the 6th century AD
- The church of St. Antonio and the franciscan Convent, with a restored baroque façade. Inside a 17th-century wooden chorus. To be visited also the convent with its cloister and central water cistern.
- The Museum of Civiltà Contadina
- The Appiano Bridge, built in about 312 B.C. to make the via Appia proceeding toward Apulia. "Gate" of Irpinia, the bridge was in use between 312 B.C. and 1053 AD.
- The Norman Tower.