“Moschiano, a small village with about 2000 inhabitants, in the Ultra principality, 12 km: N.W. of Avellino; at 40 km: to the N.E. from Naples, closed entirely by mountains, less so on the western side, where a narrow pass joins it to the plain of the Vallo di Lauro, it extends slim and oblong, crossing the bases of three enchanting hills, called Pistiello, Chiaio and Monte.”

Thus begins the 13-page booklet from 1886 entitled "The Madonna della Carita - Historical legend" written by a certain S.A.P. "(the booklet does not contain the full name of the author but it is probably Scipione Antonio Pacia a priest from Moschiano) and published in Naples "for the types of Salvatore Marchese – Vico dei SS. Filippo e Giacomo n. 21".

In reading the lines above we cannot help but think back, perhaps unworthily, to the lines that Alessandro Manzoni put in Lucia's mouth in “The Betrothed”: “Goodbye mountains rising from the water and raised to the sky. Unequal peaks, known to those who grew up among you and imprinted in their mind no less than the appearance of their closest relatives...". What a similarity of feelings especially for those who are far away.

The story continues like this:

“Building, not far away, according to some; or rather on the ruins, according to others, of the ancient Celtic city Moos-Canon, of which nothing else has been preserved other than the name alone, modified to Moschiano.”

This basin, limited by high mountains, belonging to the Irpinia plateau, variously furrowed by deep valleys, enclosed by almost vertical walls, which, as if they were many tributaries, discharge their rainwater into a common stream, which heads towards the plain of Campania, and runs to the sea; hence the city first took its name from this, and then the current town.

This site embellished with bizarre hillocks; crossed by enchanting streams; home to countless birds; gilded by the sun's rays; blown by the continuous breezes, it inspired the ancient Celts with the thought of making it a place of delight, and which would have taught posterity their civilization, but which the edginess of time must have prevented from reaching us.

Rich in vegetation, abundant in every species of plant, especially fruit-bearing, the products of this village would be sought after if the industry and agriculture which remained stationary were not sufficiently neglected. However, wine and oil are not to be despised.

The inhabitants are sober and strong, of simple customs, and of versatile and quick intelligence; but neglected and poorly cultivated, because education, despite the progress of the times, is still a pious desire.”

We refer to the photos in the booklet mentioned above to continue with the story of Moschiano and the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Carita as remembered by SAP

​

​