Campagna

Campagna is a small town and municipality located in the province of Salerno within the Campania region of Southern Italy. Situated in one of the valleys of the Picentini Mountains at an elevation of 270 meters, the town has a population of approximately 17,000 residents. The town's Latin name was Civitas Campaniae, and it encompasses several frazioni or smaller settlements including Camaldoli, Galdo, Mattinelle, and others spread across its 135-square-kilometer area.

The history of Campagna dates back to the ninth century during the Lombard period. Due to its strategic position in the mountains, the town experienced significant military challenges throughout the Middle Ages. Over time, Campagna evolved into an important cultural and religious center, serving as the seat of bishops until 1973 when the Diocese of Campagna merged with the Archdiocese of Salerno. The town gained international recognition during World War II when local residents, aided by Giovanni Palatucci and his uncle Giuseppe Maria Palatucci, provided sanctuary to Jewish refugees fleeing persecution from northern Italy. Citizens hid these individuals in church basements, and Giovanni Palatucci was later honored as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem. This remarkable history is documented in Elizabeth Bettina's book "It Happened in Italy" and commemorated in the town's Museo della Memoria.

The town offers several notable tourist destinations, including two significant castles: Castle Gerione and Castle De Alegisio, both dating to the tenth century. The town also features important palaces and architectural landmarks such as Palazzo Tercasio and Palazzo di Città.