|
The Conservatorio delle orfane
(Orphans' Conservatory) in
Terra Murata (Walled Land)
 The
Terra Murata (Walled Land) is the old centre of Procida. It
belongs to the Middle Ages and was for a long time the only inhabited centre of
the island for security reasons: in fact it is located on the highest promontory
of Procida, about 90 meters high, with the cliffs rising steep from the sea. The
name is derived from the ancient division of the island in some areas called
"Terre" (Lands): there was the arable land, the grazing land, the planted land,
the vines land; and finally there was the "Terra Casata" (Houses' Land), where
they collected all the houses for a better common defence. In the 16th century,
when the entire old centre was fortified, the adjective defining the Terra
changed from Casata (Houses) to Murata (Walled), and it have kept this name till
nowadays.
The old town was not fortified, in the sense that it was not provided with
outside walls. But buildings were arranged in such a way as to create an
efficient defensive complex: the houses had been built on blocks of tufa rocks
serving as small ramparts and were leant each other, forming a single compact
front of brickworks (the "Casata") running from the Terra's Gate on north (which
led to the first landing point of Procida) up to the tufa quarry on south. The
only interruption among the houses' front was the Porta Mezz'Omo (Half-Man's
Gate), which also had a drawbridge. The outer facades of the houses had only few
and small holes, while the entries and the windows were on the internal streets.
The Avalos Palace, also named the Castle, is the first landmark you see coming
from Naples by ship. It rises on the edge on the steep cliff of tufa, apparently
isolated but it hides on its back the whole old centre of Terra Murata. The
Avalos, noble and powerful family from Spain, had the feudal domain over Procida
since the early years of 16th century and ruled the island up to the Bourbons
came in 1734. In 1563 the Cardinal Innico of Avalos started the construction of
the Palace and of the defensive walls around the Terra Casata, in the context of
a general town planning that provided also for the displacement of the gates and
the roads leading to the fortress.
Besides the Avalos Palace, other building works were done inside city walls. It
was renovated the palace of the preceding Lords of Procida (the Da Procida and
after the Cossa). In front of the palace it was opened a new square, in order to
connect it directly with the Abbey. In the 19th century it was used as women
orphanage with the name of Conservatorio delle orfane
(Orphans' Conservatory). Nowadays it is known as De Iorio Palace, from the name
of the owners during the 17th century.
Hotel "Savoia"
 The
hotel Savoia, the oldest hotel in the island of Procida, is situated in a quiet
and peaceful area only 350 meters from the town centre, 600 meters from the
wonderful Chiaiolella beach and enjoys a wonderful panoramic view. The structure
is surrounded by a flowered garden with lush orange and lemon trees, offering
the ideal setting for those looking for a relaxing holiday in the nature,
blended with all modern day comforts. On-site facilities include a bar, a
restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool with sun terrace.
Hotel Website
|
