Norman June - History and Stories of the Founding of Aversa

Aversa rediscovers its Norman roots

Norman June - History and Stories of the Founding of Aversa is a cultural festival that brings the historic center of Aversa, in the province of Caserta, to life throughout the month of June in the heart of Campania. The initiative was born with a precise goal: to rediscover the city's origins and restore to its inhabitants the awareness of living in the first Norman county of Italy. Through meetings, historical insights, theatrical monologues, guided tours, and a photography exhibition, the event accompanies citizens and enthusiasts in discovering a heritage that is often little known.

The history of the foundation

In 1030, the granting of the County of Aversa to the Norman Rainulfo Drengot marked the beginning of the city's foundation and the entry of the Normans into the political affairs of Southern Italy. From that first settlement, dynamics were set in motion that would lead the knights from the North to build one of the most important political entities of medieval Europe. Norman June focuses on this very legacy, recounting the figure of the knight considered the founder of the Aversa county and the historical context that accompanied its rise.

A program between memory and storytelling

The festival alternates different formats to reach diverse audiences. The inaugural moment is entrusted to the historical monologue "I am: Rainulfo Drengot", written and performed by Marco Thomas, which gives voice to the founder of the county. This is followed by conferences and in-depth meetings such as "The Philosophy of the Norman Warrior" and "The Normans and the Conquest of the South", hosted in iconic landmarks of the city's heritage, including Palazzo Rebursa. The calendar concludes with a day entirely dedicated to the local area, featuring guided itineraries and the inauguration of a photography exhibition.

Guided tours and the exhibition

The experiential heart of the festival is the guided tours "In the Footsteps of the Normans," which depart from Piazza Duomo and lead participants through the sites of Norman presence, starting with the Cathedral of San Paolo and the medieval landmarks scattered throughout the urban fabric. A further itinerary takes visitors to the historic church of Santa Maria a Piazza, while the photography exhibition set up at the Diocesan Caritas headquarters offers a visual look at the city's Norman legacy.

Organizers

The event is promoted by the Cultural Association L'Inedito Letterario - Circolo di Aversa, with the patronage of the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Aversa and the collaboration of local entities such as the Diocesan Caritas, the City Library, the In Octabo association, and the Diocesan Office for Cultural Heritage. All events are free to attend, as part of a project that combines historical dissemination, heritage enhancement, and the cohesion of the Aversa community.