Guardialfiera

Guardialfiera has a population of 950, and it is in the heart of the countryside, framed by the calm waters of its crystal-clear lake.
In the centre of the town stands a Gothic architectural masterpiece, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, of pagan origins, altered in about the year 1,000 and converted for Christian worship. Inside, centuries-old works of art and frescoes chronicle the community's thousand-year history. Another point of interest is the Porta Santa (Holy Door), which is opened with a solemn religious ceremony officiated by the bishop, in the presence of the most important religious and institutional dignitaries, on the morning of 1 June each year, celebrating the town's patron saint Gaudentius. The door is then closed on the afternoon of 2 June.
Guardialfiera is renowned as the birthplace of Francesco Jovine (1902-1950), the famous Italian writer, journalist and essayist, who, with his realism and verismo style, described rural life, highlighting his homeland.
In addition to its natural beauty and rich religious history, Guardialfiera has a wealth of lively traditions and festivities, including the Festa di San Giuseppe (Festival of Saint Joseph), held on the Sunday closest to 19 March; the Festival dedicated to the patron saint, Gaudentius, the Girogustando nel Borgo food and wine event, the Festival of Saint Anthony, and the Nativity Scene Re-enactment.