The area remained uninhabited until 1631, when the Count of San Valentino and Marquis of Lauro donated it to the monastic Order of Friars Minor, who built here a convent; the inhabited center which grew around it was initially a neighbourhood of Palma Campania and later a self-governing entity by decree of King Ferdinand II of Two Sicilies. The Marquis also enstablished the local Fair which is held every year in name of Saint Januarius