And yet, from today, more alive than ever.
It was historically called Vico Santa Maria. Now it has a name that resembles a promise: The Lovers' Alley. A new initiative takes shape right here, in the heart of the village, thanks to Vice-Mayor Morena Cecere and Counselor Palma Viscione, who wanted to transform this corner into a space dedicated to emotion, memory, and romance.
Francesco and Caterina
"They did not renounce their feelings, despite being well aware of the hardships they would have to overcome."
A love born at the foot of Mount Taburno
Theirs is a true story, not a romantic fiction. Francesco Izzo, born on April 12, 1839 in Latonuovo, and Caterina Riccio, born on the same day — April 12, 1841 — in Santo Spirito. A bizarre twist of fate bound these two young souls by their very birthdays.
The Bourbon soldier and his sweetheart
With the abolition of the Bourbon kingdom and its annexation to the new Italian State, Francesco refused to break his oath of loyalty to the Neapolitan king. He became a draft evader first, and then a hunted outlaw. Caterina did not abandon him. She became his helper and protector — driven not by calculation, but by her heart.
The price of love
On October 23, 1863, Caterina was sentenced to one year of forced exile on the Island of Giglio. Francesco watched helplessly from afar. By her return, the circle had closed: on May 31, 1865, his body was found at Tuoro del Faro on Mount Taburno.
Caterina was still in prison in Benevento. Released on June 10, 1865 due to a lack of evidence, she returned to the village only to learn of her lover's tragic death. It is said she turned pale as stone and never uttered Francesco's name again.
An enduring memory
In Montesarchio cemetery, a plaque on the wall of the Chapel of Saint Anthony commemorates this tragic romance. Their story was catalogued in the book "Francesco and Caterina — Unification of Italy and Brigandage" by Nicola Angelo Tinessa, adapted as a play in 2013, and turned into an educational short film in 2014.
The Alley Today
Walk underneath the hanging paper hearts. Let the ancient stones tell their story. Follow this path up to the majestic Tower, where the romantic 'bench of love' looks out over the valley and time, at last, stands still.
It is not just an alleyway. This project brings local identity together through beauty, narrative, and sentiment. A place that gives travelers a reason to return.
How to Reach the Alley
The Lovers' Alley is located in the middle of the historic center of Montesarchio, in the ancient Vico Santa Maria, a short walk from the medieval Tower.
Coordinates: 41.066432, 14.638797
View on Google MapsWhere We Are
The Lovers' Alley · Vico Santa Maria · Montesarchio (BN)
Historical Tributes
The tragic romance of Francesco and Caterina has inspired many records over the years:
- Book: Francesco and Caterina — Unification of Italy and Brigandage, by Nicola Angelo Tinessa
- Theater: Performance by the youth forum of Montesarchio, 18th edition of Giorni al Borgo, September 2013 — with the historic streets of Latonuovo as an open stage
- Short Film: Francesco and Caterina — Stories of Montesarchio, I.C. 1° Circolo, 2014
- Memorial Plaque: Chapel of Saint Anthony, Montesarchio cemetery
- The Lovers' Alley: Historical site curation directed by Vice-Mayor Morena Cecere and Counselor Palma Viscione