Via Maggiore (formerly Via Cascio)

Prominent among the rich and varied histories reflected in the village's historic streets is Via Maggiore, formerly known as Via Cascio.

This vital artery, along with Via Belfiore (formerly Via La Taverna), runs along the picturesque Forca d'Acero Creek and connects the town to Abruzzo via the ancient Via Marsicana.

In the 18th century, Via Maggiore became the center of economic and social life in San Donato Val di Comino. The wealthy bourgeoisie and merchants chose this street to establish their commercial activities, fostering a remarkable population revival after the devastating epidemic of 1656. The population grew rapidly, reaching 2,400 in the early eighteenth century.

Despite periods of great prosperity, the 18th century was also marked by terrible calamities. These included the plague epidemic of 1761, the famine of 1764, and the extremely harsh winter of 1778-1779 followed by a prolonged drought.

The year 1798 brought a catastrophic flood that divided the town and destroyed many houses and the Church of the Annunziata. Closing the century, the French invasion of 1799 brought further hardship and suffering.

Via Maggiore, which runs through the Portella Ward, led directly to Capolavalle (today's Carlo Coletti Square) and the Castle. This ancient street, also known as the "Via dei Signori," was adorned with elegant mansions with inner courtyards, portals decorated with artistic keystones, jutting cornices and balconies. Eighteenth-century middle-class families and merchants resided here, opening their stores.

Halfway down the street is Vicolo Rua, which recalls the presence of a French garrison that controlled the entrance to the town. Prominent among the historical figures linked to Via Maggiore is Salvatore Pizzi, leader of the Neapolitan liberals, who was confined there at the behest of King Ferdinand II of Bourbon between 1855 and 1860. After the unification of Italy, Pizzi was appointed governor of the province of Terra di Lavoro by Garibaldi.

In addition, Via Maggiore is also the birthplace of the Servant of God Fra Tommaso da San Donato, who was born in 1578 when the street was still known as Via Cascio.

Strolling along Via Maggiore, visitors can admire the architectural beauty and breathe in the history of this fascinating corner of San Donato Val di Comino, a place where the past lives again amidst the striking glimpses of the present.