Tre Fontane, Renaissance rural complex in Greci, Italy
Tre Fontane is a Renaissance-era rural complex in the Campanian Apennines, made up of three separate structures. The ensemble includes a fortified farmhouse with an inner courtyard, a rectangular tavern building, and a simple rural dwelling.
The complex emerged in the 16th century following the Italian Wars in an area inhabited by the Arbëreshë people. This Albanian-speaking community had settled in this region of southern Italy's Apennine mountains.
Each of the three buildings had its own water spring, which is how the place got its name: Tre Fontane, meaning Three Fountains in Italian. Access to fresh water was essential for a remote rural settlement in these mountains.
The site sits at 725 meters elevation between the Cervaro Valley and the upper Miscano Valley in a hilly region. The location requires sturdy footwear and comfort with mountain trails, as the area is remote and terrain is varied.
The complex developed at the crossing of three ancient trade routes: the Appian Traiana Way, the Camporeale-Foggia path, and the Volturara-Castelfranco trail. This strategic location made it an important stop for travelers and merchants moving through this remote mountain region.
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