The excessiverigour and poverty of the friars, whooccupied the castle in the early 14th century, made the Pope Martin V so furiousthat he razed to the ground the small fortifiedvillage of Maiolati. The village rose from itsashes and was the birthplace of the opera composer and conductor Gaspare Spontini. It isalsoknown for its “lonzetta di fico”, a traditional cake made of figs, almonds and walnuts. Not to be missed: the Museo Spontini in Gaspare Spontini’s house. It collects memorabilia, manuscripts and musical instrumentsthatbelonged to the greatcomposer.