Discover Riardo: Castello, Churches and Springs

Riardo combines medieval history, sacred art and a distinctive spring landscape. The Castello di Riardo defines the town and is considered its most important sight as well as an exceptional viewpoint. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Riardo will find a destination whose character unfolds between castle history, nature and the Via Francigena del Sud.

Castello di Riardo and the View over the Plain

The origins of the Castello di Riardo are attributed to the Lombards and probably to the second half of the 9th century. A large round-arched window opens up a view across the Savone plain to the sea.

For travellers interested in medieval history, the Castello is a prominent focus of a visit to the town. Riardo is considered an important stopping point on the Via Francigena del Sud. Alongside the castle, the historic pilgrimage tradition is therefore one of the themes that characterise the town.

Springs, Water and Rural Traces

The Parco Sorgenti Ferrarelle di Riardo is a natural area of approximately 150 hectares in an almost untouched landscape and natural setting. Beneath the park lie groundwater reserves with seven springs; their water is used to produce Ferrarelle. Riardo was already known in Roman times for its naturally sparkling waters. Vitruvius and Pliny the Elder mentioned and appreciated them.

The remains of the Taverna Saliscendi are also located in the park. On the agricultural grounds of the Masseria Mozzi stands an ancient masseria, regarded as an example of a rural dwelling in the hinterland of the Province of Caserta. Those wishing to combine nature and regional culture can include these different facets in their travel plans. They show Riardo not only as a historic town, but also as a landscape shaped by agriculture and water.

Church Art and Distinctive Details of the Town

The Chiesa di San Leonardo stands out for its portal in the Gothic-Catalan style, colloquially described as “Plateresque”. The Chiesa di Santa Maria a Silice preserves a valuable statue of the Madonna della Stella from the Neapolitan school. The statue arrived in Riardo around 1750. The two churches therefore offer different perspectives on the town’s history: San Leonardo through its architecture, and Santa Maria a Silice through a specific work of art and its connection to the Neapolitan school.

For personal travel planning, the architectural accessibility may also play a role. The Chiesa di San Leonardo has no architectural barriers; the same applies to the Chiesa di Santa Maria a Silice.

Getting There and Choosing a Holiday Destination

By car, the journey is via the A1, whose nearest exits to the town centre are Caianello and Capua. Both are located on the Autostrada del Sole between Milan and Naples. Those travelling by train can find information about the Vairano-Caianello, Sparanise and Riardo-Pietramelara railway stations. Depending on the route taken, these options can be considered when looking for suitable accommodation in Riardo.

If you would like to combine culture, a spring landscape and historic routes in one trip, you can consider a holiday apartment in Riardo as a starting point for your plans. If your travel group has different interests, the combination of themes provides clear guidance: the Castello represents history and views, the Parco Sorgenti Ferrarelle stands for water and nature, while the churches and Via Francigena del Sud complement the cultural and spiritual character.

More Destinations for Your Search

For further travel planning, you can also visit the pages on Falciano Del Massico, Caserta, Pontelatone, Arienzo, Pietramelara, Teano, Sant'Angelo d'Alife and Marcianise.

To the higher-level travel overview: Caserta.