San Bartolomeo in Galdo is one of the most important centres in the province of Benevento. It is located on the border with Puglia and Molise, on a hill full of vineyards, olive groves and orchards.
The name of the municipality refers to the apostle St Bartholomew, whose cult was spread by the Lombard prince Sicardo da Cremona bringing the saint’s relics stolen from the Saracens on the island of Lipari.
Its history begins in the late Middle Ages, although some archaeological findings indicate that it has been inhabited since ancient times.
In its centre, one can admire some important stately and religious buildings, which were commissioned by the bishop of the diocese of Voltura who chose San Bartolomeo as his summer residence.
In 1253, the centre was sacked and abandoned by its inhabitants during a famous battle between the Saracen and Papal armies. Later, the Angevins allocated funds for reconstruction and, over the years, its land was owned by the Benedictines of the monastery of Santa Maria di Gualdo di Mazzocca.
The local economy consists of:
- Agriculture; the main products are cereals, grapes, olives, fruit, vegetables and tobacco. In addition, several farms are involved in sheep, pig and poultry breeding.
- Trade; commercial activities constituted a point of reference for neighbouring municipalities. Unfortunately, after the 2000s, commercial activities declined slightly, decreasing the attractiveness of the neighbouring villages.
- Industrial activity; developed in the late 1970s, the municipality became the largest industrial zone in the Fortore area. The most developed sectors are textiles, plastic packaging, paint, wooden and aluminium fixtures, concrete and glass.