Avellino and Irpinia - In Campania

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Alta Irpinia famous travellers There is a place in Central Italy, under high mountains, noble and remembered for its fame, the Ansanto valley; gloomy with dense growth it is closed on two sides by woods, where, full in the middle, between boulders and whirlpools, thunders a river. Aeneid (VII, 563-567) 158 Alta Irpinia, on the eastern side of the province, is a hilly zone with sheer summits, intersected by innumerable streams. The area was hard hit by the earthquake of 1980, but the rare villages rich in history and natural beauty have been patiently restored in memory of the past. Montella, famous for its walnuts and chestnuts, is the starting point for excursions into the splendid surrounding mountains. From here one can reach the Santa Maria della Neve Monastery, the Salvatore Sanctuary and the Caprone Grotto, where it is believed that ceremonies to the god Bacchus were held in ancient times. Nearby is the San Francesco a Folloni monumental complex, said to have been founded by Saint Francis of Assisi himself. Bagnoli Irpino, in a lovely position on the northern slopes of the Picentini mountains, is dominated by the remains of a 1400’s castle. Among the naturally beautiful sites to be visited is the Caliendo Grotto; 300 meters deep it has many small waterfalls that burst from the rock. Piano Laceno is a touristic centre that is open both summer and winter, and has many good hotels and restaurants. There are good ski slopes with efficient ski-lifts. On the western edge of the plain is the lake of Laceno, with equipped picnic areas. At Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi, which takes its name from the cult of Saint Michael the Archangel to whom the Longobards were particularly devoted, one can visit the Romanesque cathedral and the Longobard castle. A few kilometers away is the splendid San Guglielmo al Goleto Abbey, another masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, one of the most evocative of the monumental complexes of Southern Italy. The complex, with its great walls, dominates the entire Ofanto Valley and includes the monastery and two churches. The historical centre of Bisaccia is interesting: in the Ducal Castle that was founded in the 7 th century there are literary cafès and artisan shops. Calitri, on the border with the province of Salerno, has a charming ancient village dominated by the Castle, and lovely green areas by the Ofanto river. Conza della Campania surges near lake of Conza, a large artificial body of water with a refined ecosystem of great naturalistic interest, protected by the WWF. Archaeological excavations have brought to light important remains and part of the forum of the Roman city, visible in the Archaeological Park of ancient Compsa. San Guglielmo al Goleto Abbey 159 A sanctuary on a sulphur lake: the Mefite of Rocca San Felice In the Ansanto Valley is ‘Mofeta’, a very famous place in ancient times. The lake of sulphureous mud is a volcano that lets off gas and sulphur vapours. Close by, in the 6 th century BC the Samnites built a sanctuary venerated by many, dedicated to the goddess Mefite, protectress of health and patron of water and fields. The name is still remembered in the adjective ‘mephitic’, which refers to the intolerable smell of the sulphur vapours. The sacred nature of this place has passed down to the nearby Santa Felicita Sanctuary. Lake of Laceno
Printed in Italy © copyright 2008 by Regione Campania All right reserved Disclaimer This Guide went to press on December 31 st 2007. Every effort has been made to check the information supplied. We take no responsibility for any changes in schedules, addresses, websites, etc., which may occur after the above date. 2 nd Edition revised and updated by JWT Italia Photographs Alfonso Grotta Vittorio Guida Oreste Lanzetta Mario Milo Enzo Rando Printing Gruppo Associati Pubblitaf, Naples
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Avellino and Irpinia - In Campania

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