Valva, Campania

Valva
Comune
Comune di Valva
Panoramic view
Location of Valva
Valva Location of Valva in Italy Show map of Italy Valva Valva (Campania) Show map of Campania
Coordinates: 40°44′N 15°16′E / 40.733°N 15.267°E / 40.733; 15.267
Country	Italy
Region	Campania
Province	Salerno (SA)
Government
• Mayor	Vito Falcone
Area ^[1]
• Total	26.79 km² (10.34 sq mi)
Elevation	510 m (1,670 ft)
Population (31 December 2010)^[2]
• Total	1,760
• Density	66/km² (170/sq mi)
Demonym	Valvesi
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	84020
Dialing code	0828
Patron saint	St. Michael Arcangel
Saint day	8 May and 29 September
Website	Official website

Valva is an Italian town and municipality in the Province of Salerno in the south-western region of Campania.

Geography

It borders with the communes of Calabritto (AV), Caposele (AV), Colliano, Laviano, Oliveto Citra and Senerchia (AV).

It is an agricultural centre of the upper Sele valley, located on its left side and at the feet of the steep and rugged slopes of Monte delle Rose (1372 m) and Monte Marzano (1524 m).

History

A flourishing town of the same name was present nearby at the time of the Roman Empire. During Barbarian invasions the inhabitants built a new settlement, higher up the mountain; the ruins of this town, Valva Vecchia, can still be seen. Later the population returned to the valley and constructed the town in the current location. During the Norman period it was called Balba, and was a possession of local lords.

Main sights

Sights include the church of San Giacomo, whose façade has three ornate portals in the late-Baroque style.

Economy

The local economy is primarily based on agriculture. Cereals, fodder, olives and vegetables are grown and cattle, pigs and sheep are raised. Forestery and trade in livestock are practised. There is some small-scale production of olive oil, and various types of artisanal activity.