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Valva
According to tradition, Valva in the province of Salerno was founded by the ancient 'Ursenti'.
In the 9th century it became the chosen base of Orso, the Conte di Conza, following repeated Saracen raids in the area.
In the year 1000 the town passed into the hands of Gozzolino following a truce with the Normans, and it seems nothing of note happened for a further 800 years until Italian unification in 1861.
It was then that the splendid Villa d'Ayala was built, a refined palazzo and garden offering an amazing contrast with the rugged surroundings of the immediate territory.
The Villa d'Ayala of Valva is considered to be "one of the most luxuriant and beautiful in Italy"(from the magazine "Bell'Italia" April 1995).
The Villa is owned today by the 'Cavalieri di Malta' who once a year hold a religious ceremony in the chapel.
Perhaps because of this the Villa has been used as a hospital for the wounded of both World Wars, as well as a cordination centre for the victims of the earthquake which hit the zone of Irpinia and the Valle del Sele in 1980.
In July and August in the charming "amphitheatre" of Villa d'Ayala famous shows of music and prose are presented with international artists.
Also look out for the Sagra della Taratella in July and August and do visit the nearby hamlet of Fabbrica.
In Roman times it was home to the Augustali who lent their name to the Emperor Ceasar Ottaviano Augustus in 14 BC.
Many ancient artefacts have been found locally, not just Roman but also indicating a previous Greek settlement and part of the Magna Grecia.
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