AVERSA

town and episcopal see, Caserta province, Campania region, southern Italy, in the fertile Campanian plain north of Naples. Founded in 1030 by the Normans, who made it the capital of the first Norman county in Italy, it became a centre of culture, noted for its grammar schools, and a diocese of the Holy See. It became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. Notable landmarks include the 11th-century cathedral and the Norman castle, both rebuilt in the 18th century. The composer Domenico Cimarosa was born at Aversa in 1749. Aversa is an important rail junction; its main industries are shoemaking, agriculture, and viticulture; and it markets asprino wine, mozzarella cheese, and dairy produce. Pop. (1981 prelim.) mun., 50,525.