Guardia Sanframondi - medieval town in the province of Benevento in the Italian region of Campania, known as the "Pearl of the South" because of its well-preserved historic center, built in the 15th century. To get to this part of the city, on which stands the ancient castle, is on foot, climbing the steep streets. Today, the historic center of Guardia half-abandoned, as the locals prefer to settle in the new houses that surround the ring the old Guardia. Interestingly, while some of the old houses were bought by wealthy Neapolitans, who turned them into their residence.

Origin Guardia Sanframondi not precisely determined - scholars put forward the version that the city was founded by the Samnites or the Normans or the Lombards. There are also fragments of ancient settlements that existed in the days of the Paleolithic. The name of the town comes from the Norman family Sanframondo, who ruled here for almost four hundred years. In 1461, the year Guardia became the property of the family of Carafa, who owned the town until the 19th century.

The medieval center of Guardia Sanframondi grew up around the castle, standing on the highest part of the city. From him in different directions diverge numerous winding streets and white stone steps. The castle was built by the Lombards and modified by the Normans in 1139, the year. It consists of a main building and four towers gear. In the 19th century the castle was abandoned for some time and had lost part of its environment and scenery. And in the 20th century, there were carried out restoration work today festivals are held in the garden, exhibitions and cultural events, in the residential wing houses the Museum of butterflies, and an outdoor terrace has been converted into a theater stage.

Other attractions Guardia Sanframondi are the church of San Sebastiano and San Rocco, the Basilica Assuntsone fountain with two masks and a few aristocratic residences.

It should also be said that the Guardia every seven years held a religious festival dedicated to the discovery of hundreds of years ago, the statue of the Madonna and Child. The festival consists of processions of the faithful going to the Basilica of Assuntsone, so-called "mysteries" with scenes from the Old and New Testaments, choral chants, passing "fladzhellanti" - Flagellant who lash themselves with whips, etc.