The territory of Sant’Agata de’ Goti is partly crossed by the Caroline Aqueduct (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which stretches for about 38 kilometers—mostly underground—until it reaches the Royal Palace of Caserta. Starting from the Longano area in Sant’Agata de’ Goti and following a scenic 5-kilometer route past several ancient “torrini” (inspection towers), visitors reach the third tier of arches of the famous “Ponti della Valle”, the most iconic and visible section of the aqueduct.
Among the area’s most celebrated local products are the Annurca apple, often called “the queen of apples,” Falanghina and Aglianico wines, and extra virgin olive oil. From these ingredients, locals also make ‘nfrennule, traditional taralli known for their unique texture and flavor.
Sant’Agata de’ Goti is also connected to the extraordinary story of the Assteas Vase—a red-figure Greek krater dating back to the 5th century BC. It depicts one of the most famous tales in Greek mythology: the abduction of Europa. The vase was discovered in the Samnite necropolis of Sant’Agata during sewer works in the 1970s. Sold illegally on the black market for just one million lire and a piglet, it later entered the antiquities trade and was acquired in 1981 by the Paul Getty Museum in Malibu, California, for $380,000.
In 2005, after a complex investigation by Italy’s Carabinieri Cultural Heritage Protection unit, the vase was repatriated. Since then, it has been displayed at the National Archaeological Museum of Paestum and exhibited in prestigious venues such as the Quirinal Palace and UNESCO headquarters in Paris, and temporarily returned to Sant’Agata de’ Goti. Today, the famed Assteas Krater can be admired permanently at the Caudine National Archaeological Museum in Montesarchio.
Every year between Christmas and Epiphany, Italian churches echo with the song “Tu scendi dalle stelle.” Few realize, however, that this beloved Christmas carol is the Italian version of “Quanno nascette Ninno,” a Neapolitan hymn composed in 1754 by Saint Alphonsus Maria de’ Liguori—a revered saint, Church Doctor, accomplished musician, and founder of the Redemptorist Congregation. He served as Bishop of Sant’Agata de’ Goti from 1762 to 1775.
