The town of Guardialfiera has been continuously inhabited since at least the 11th century. Reports exist that a Roman tower was visible on the western edge of the town until the 10th century. The origin of the town's name is uncertain, although it is likely that the name is derived from either the “Guards of Alfier” or the “Guards of Adalferio”, named after the Lombard ruler of Larino who in 1049 conquered the town. In 1053 it is likely that Pope Leo IX used Guardialfiera as a base in order to launch an attack against the Normans who had occupied the nearby town of Larino in 1050. On June 18, 1053 the Norman Count of Apulia, Humphrey of Hauteville defeated Pope Leo IX at the Battle of Civitate. The Episcopal Seat of Guardialfiera was established in 1061 by Pope Alexander II likely in recognition of the town's role in the events of 1053. In 1130 the town was conquered by the Norman king Roger II of Sicily. Subsequently, it was ruled by the Soliaco family until 1350, then the Marzano family. In 1550 the land passed to the Di Capua family then to the De Blaiis and in 1636 the Ferri, rulers of Lupara. In 1649 the last of the Ferri family died without any heirs and Guardialfiera was donated to Serafino Biscardi. In 1688 the town was rebuilt after it was completely destroyed by an earthquake. Constantino Lemaitre bought the town's land in 1793 in order to gain the title of Marquis. The Lemaitre family were the last feudal lords to control Guardialfiera when the feudal system was suppressed in 1806. In the early part of the 20th century many individuals emigrated from Guardialfiera, to North America, especially to Montreal, Quebec, Canada and Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.
The town's main church, Santa Maria Assunta, dates to at least the 11th century. Many ancient stones carved with pagan and early Christian iconographs dating to the 7th and 8th centuries were incorporated into the present structure. It was likely that these stones were part of a pagan temple that originally sat on the same site. It is unclear if the present structure was standing at the time of Pope Leo IX’s visit in 1053, but the diocese records clearly show that the designation of Santa Maria dell'Assunta was elevated to a cathedral in 1061 and was presided over a Bishop by the name of Peter. On April 7, 1751 relics of Saint Gaudentius were transported by two Capuchin friars from the catacombs of St. Priscilla to the Cathedral in Guardialfiera. These were given to Mons. Pasquale Zaini, the Bishop of Guardialfiera, by Pope Benedict XIV. The relics can still be seen today in Santa Maria dell'Assunta and are paraded through the town on the feast of San Gaudenzio. It remains unclear who exactly Saint Gaudentius was, although from historical texts he is referred to as a martyr. It has been alternatively claimed that he was either the architect who designed the Flavian Amphitheater in Rome, or Saint Gaudentius of Rimini. After an earthquake in 1456, the cathedral was rebuilt and in 1460 a Holy Door was added to the north-east facing wall of the cathedral by Bishop Jacopo. This is one of the few Holy Doors outside of Rome and is opened once every year during the feast of San Gaudenzio except during Jubilee Years when the Holy Doors in Rome are opened. In 1975 a medieval crypt was discovered during the restoration of the cathedral.
Lake Guardialfiera
Guardialfiera overlooks the artificial Lake Guardialfiera, which was created due to damming of the Biferno river in 1976-77. In ancient Roman times, the river was known as Tifernus. The rising waters of the lake submerged the ruins of the bridge of Saint Anthony. It is believed by locals to be of Etruscan origin, but more likely was built by the Romans, and was visible just north of the town. According to local lore, Hannibal used this bridge to move his army across the Biferno. Photos, murals and statues of the bridge can be seen throughout Guardialfiera.
People
Francesco Jovine, writer
Carlo Romeo, lawyer and member of the Neapolitan Republic of 1799. He was executed in Naples following the Bourbon repression after the fall of the republic.
