Brienza

Brienza suddenly appears to dominate a deep gorge as one ascends the Meledandro valley. The village stands on the top of a hill lapped by the Pergola stream, amidst woods and mountains. Brienza has retained its mediaeval structure with narrow alleys and lanes that climb towards the scenic Angevin castle, rebuilt in 1571. In 1748, the great jurist and patriot Mario Pagano, initiator of the Neapolitan historical school of law and advocate of the Neapolitan Republic of 1799, was born here, and for this, he was hanged by the Bourbons in the same year. A Study Centre that promotes seminars and events is dedicated to him, as well as a Literary Park that brings together the places associated with his life and work: Palazzo Paternoster, Francesco Mario Pagano's home and the mediaeval town, il Maniero, the Mario Pagano Study Centre and the Town Hall, where the park is located.