Alife

Alife is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Caserta, in the Campania region of southern Italy. The town sits on elevated ground in the inland hills and is part of a landscape shaped by small farms, historic routes, and a long urban history.

Historically, Alife has ancient roots. In antiquity the settlement was known as Allifae and belonged to the Samnite and later Roman spheres of influence, developing along roads and markets that connected various communities in the region. In the Middle Ages the town grew as a fortified site, with a castle and defensive walls built to protect the population. The Castello di Alife remains a dominant feature of the town and is among the better-preserved medieval fortifications in the area. The town also preserves traces of its religious and civil architecture from medieval and early modern periods.

Main sights include the castle and several churches that reflect a long urban history, as well as the town walls and historic lanes that survive in the older quarters. These elements illustrate the transition from ancient to medieval urban forms and the continued importance of defense and religion in local life.

The economy of Alife is primarily based on agriculture, with crops such as cereals and olives, supplemented by small businesses and rural tourism tied to its historic landscape. Local traditions include agricultural fairs and seasonal festivals that mark the agricultural calendar and community life.

Alife is connected by provincial roads to neighboring municipalities; regional rail services are accessible in nearby towns, and local bus routes provide connections to Caiazzo, Capua, and other centers.