The Upper Valley of the Sele and the Valley of the Ofanto represent a fantastic area that gathers numerous resources, both natural and cultural, capable of filling a complete visit itinerary. Below are all the opportunities in a territory that, along with Caposele, represents a unique reality in its kind.
For information and reservations:
Infopoint Materdomini
Via Santuario 24, Fraz. di Materdomini – Caposele (AV)
tel 0827/1886240
email: info@visitcaposele.it
CAIRANO
Cairano is situated on a hill, about 800 m above sea level, overlooking the entire valley. Located in high Irpinia, it is an ancient and charming village of medieval origin. By walking its narrow streets, you can visit places rich in history. Starting from the street of caves, a nature trail that looks out towards the horizon, there are the hypogean cellars of archaic origin. From there, you can reach the hill of Calvary. Continuing on, you can admire the three churches: the Church of the Immaculate Conception, further up the Church of San Leone Magno dedicated to the patron saint, and finally the Church of San Martino the Bishop, along with its bell tower and the museum “Relazioni Felicitanti.” Near the ruins of the Lombard castle, you can enjoy a true open-air theater, and finally, you reach the cliff where you can admire the stunning panorama accompanied by the sound of the unique wind organ in the world. The most important events are:
July: “Festival della Magia Itinerante”
July/August: “Cairano Accogliente”
Cairano 7x
Various B&Bs are available for a peaceful and tranquil stay.
CALABRITTO
Among the trekking routes in Calabritto, the one to the Bard’natore waterfalls and the rock church of Our Lady of the River stands out. The 5 km round-trip path, with a total elevation gain of 570 meters, is suitable for medium-level hikers and is considered one of the most spectacular nature trails in the province of Avellino. The route begins 4 km from the town, and the trailhead can be reached by car. The trek winds through waterfalls, caves, ancient shelters, and the ancient church of Our Lady of the River, located in a cave adorned with hundreds of stalactites: it dates back to 1624, and inside, the Virgin who protects pregnant and birthing women is venerated.
Points of interest on the trek:
- Waterfalls of the Acquara stream
- Ancient farmhouse
- Shelter caves
- Tempa ru l’arona
- Bard’natore waterfalls (five drops, located over a 70-meter elevation gain, among the highest in Campania), with a specific ascent trail
- Scenic viewpoints over the Zagarone Valley
- Fontana ru li palummi
- Rock church and cave of Our Lady of the River
CONTACTS
Giovanni 339 5336277
Mimmo 338 4125852
calabrittoescursioni@gmail.com
CONZA DELLA CAMPANIA
In Conza della Campania, there are two captivating tourist resources that combine ancient history and culture with the environment and landscape: the Historical and Archaeological Park of Compsa and the WWF Oasis “Lake of Conza.” The archaeological site is managed by the Pro Loco “Compsa,” and it is preferable to book a few days in advance. Furthermore, the Historical and Archaeological Park of Compsa is also open for visits:
In June, July, and August on Sunday:
from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
In May and September, on Sat and Sun:
from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
These hours are valid today but are subject to change, so it is recommended to check the opening by calling the number below. The ticket price is €3 per person.
The WWF Oasis “Lake of Conza” is managed by WWF Silentum and can be visited as follows: Sunday opening from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM; Monday to Saturday, open only by reservation for groups (minimum of 10 people) at a cost without a guided tour: €3 per person, and with a guided tour: €4 per person.
CONTACTS
Pro Loco 0827 39399 / 349 3583469
WWF Oasis 339 5410048
prolococompsa@gmail.com
lagoconza@wwf.it
LAVIANO
Your visit, your adventure for only €3 (per person)
Consists of:
- Visit to the Norman Castle
- Crossing the Tibetan bridge
- Nature trails
- Relaxation area
DAYS AND HOURS Saturday, Sunday, and holidays
Morning: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
In the month of August, open every day.
CONTACTS
Cell. 351 8465203
pontetibetanoproloco@gmail.com
LIONI
To visit.
CHURCHES:
- SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA: it is the Mother Church of the Community and constitutes the first place of worship in the village, rebuilt after the earthquake while preserving the ancient parts.
- SAN ROCCO: dedicated to the patron saint of the village and rebuilt, after the earthquake, in the image of the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, home to the Franciscan Friars Minor.
- CHURCH AND ARCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION: located in the heart of the village, they date back to the 1500s. The arch is the place where San Rocco was proclaimed patron of Lioni on October 30, 1774, and it is the main entrance of the village within the fortified walls. (to be opened upon request)
MONUMENTS:
- FUNERARY LION: dating back to the 1st century B.C. – 2nd century A.D., it became the emblem of the village in the Middle Ages, giving its name along with the twin statue that was destroyed in the earthquake of 1732: Casale Leonum, which later became Li Liuni, Leoni, Lioni.
- BELL TOWER: dating back to the foundation of the village, it served as a defensive structure. Part of the church, its design mimics that of the Norman Don Jon.
- PARK OF MEMORY AND THEATER: it was created as a natural park to restore a marshy area of the village, containing emblematic symbols that evoke the past, such as a stretch of railway, the walls of a stone house, and the clock that indicates the time when the earthquake of 1980 occurred. It houses a Greco-Roman style theater with a capacity of about 1,000 people.
- MONUMENTAL CROSS: originally located in front of the side door of the Mother Church, it served a jurisdictional function as it marked the administrative boundary between urban and rural areas.
- Bianchi Villa: the only historic house currently remaining in Lioni. Its current architectural configuration dates back to the early 20th century and reflects the Liberty style. The garden, the ancient cellar carved into the tuff, and the kitchen with a large stone fireplace are very interesting. (visit upon request)
- CASSELLE DISTRICT: named after the dialectal term “Re Casedde,” meaning the shacks of straw and reeds built as temporary shelters after the earthquake of 1694 and later reconstructed in masonry.
- LIONI RAILWAY STATION: part of the historic Avellino – Foggia route, it was located in the town center and promoted the agricultural, commercial, and industrial development of the village. Reopened in 2016 after its closure in 2010, it has become a tool for territorial cohesion to enhance the traditions and folklore of our land.
- CHAPEL AND ROMAN BRIDGE: located along the Ofanto River and dating back to the Roman era, the stone bridge consists of three arches and connected the Forum of Montella to the ancient Compsa. The votive chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel was built in 1923 by some emigrants in America. It was formerly a meeting point for women who went there to wash clothes.
TOUR:
- CASALE LEONUM: railway station > Caselle district > Annunziata and arch > Bianchi Villa > Jurisdictional Cross > Sanctuary of San Rocco > Park of Memory > Mother Church and bell tower > Funerary Lion (BY RESERVATION ON SUNDAYS)
- MURALS (BY RESERVATION ON SUNDAYS)
CONTACTS
Cell. 3802165500
prolocolioni@yahoo.it
MORRA DE SANCTIS
“Morra De Sanctis, between history and literature” Morra De Sanctis rises along the Ofanto River at an altitude of about 863 meters above sea level in the heart of “green Irpinia.” Thanks to its dominant position, the town offers visitors suggestive and striking panoramas, enriched by the presence of numerous springs and two lakes along the course of the Isca stream. The town, until 1934 known as Morra Irpino, changed its name to Morra De Sanctis to honor the great literary critic Francesco De Sanctis, who was born here on March 28, 1817. The origins of Morra are very ancient. The archaeological finds abundant in its countryside and the excavations conducted by the Superintendency prove its existence as far back as the time of the Oliveto – Cairano culture, which developed between the 9th and 6th centuries B.C. in the upper valley of the Ofanto and Sele rivers.
Visits to the historic center by reservation from Tuesday to Sunday
Morning: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Main monuments:
- Biondi Morra Castle
- Archaeological Antiquarium
- Desanctisian Memories Museum
- Mother Church of Saints Peter and Paul
- Molinari Palace
- Obelisk of San Rocco
CONTACTS
Proloco_morradesanctis
+39 333 182 4257 / +39 347 999
prolocomorra@libero.it
http://prolocomorra.altervista.org/ Download the brochure
QUAGLIETTA
The Medieval Village of Quaglietta is situated on a rocky spur that overlooks the valley. The oldest core is represented by the Castle, which was originally built as a Lombard military stronghold to create a barrier against Saracen attacks and to control one of the most important communication routes of the Middle Ages. The excellent location of the castle led the population, in need of security, to settle around the initial core, creating the Village that was inhabited until the earthquake of 1980. Currently, the Medieval Village houses a Diffused Hotel (16 apartments and 50 beds) and a restaurant, Silarus. It is possible to visit the Village independently by strolling through the streets until reaching the castle area, paying €1.00 at the entrance of the Diffused Hotel (INFO 3895868401).
Annual events of Pro Loco Aquae Electae:
- July 2: Summer Festival at Cantariello
- August 18 and 19: ZenziGUSTO – Quality Festival
- August 21: August Market
- July/August: Acquatrekking along the Sele River
Typical products: Ginger Ravioli, Ginger Liqueur, and Ginger Cheese
CONTACTS
www.prolocoquaglietta.it
Cell. 333 9731 791
prolococoquaglietta.aps@gmail.com
SENERCHIA – OASI VALLE DELLA CACCIA
The oasis has been active since 1992, nestled in the Picentini Mountains, and is home to rare floral and faunal species. It features a natural waterfall about 30 meters high and an intriguing limestone cave. A natural park where you can enjoy fresh air, relaxation, and unspoiled nature.
The natural park will be open:
Approximately from June 15 to September 15 during the following hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
(unless adverse weather conditions occur)
Follow our pages or call us for more information. IMPORTANT: Please visit the ticket office at C.so Garibaldi first, where you can visit the wolf museum for free. Costs: €4 per person. The price includes a visit to the Oasi Valle della Caccia, and by adding €1, you can have shuttle transport (optional, subject to parking space availability).
CONTACTS
Tel. 0827 57031
Cell. 351 9667546 / 329 9512925
info@comune.senerchia.av.it
prolocosenerchia@tiscali.it
VALVA – VILLA D’AYALA
The Villa Park, accessed from the valley, near the town center, covers an area of between 17 and 18 hectares and is entirely surrounded by walls. Its current design can be traced back to an implementation from the 18th century, and it exhibits some typical characteristics of that era. The park is dotted with furnishings such as fountains, statues, and small architectures; of great interest is the system of caves and canals, likely dating back to Roman times and serving as a means of channeling water, which traverses the park throughout its expanse.
Opening hours:
Saturday: Morning: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Morning: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
CONTACTS
Guide 349 0946232
Pro Loco 0828 796510 / Municipality 0828 796001
prolocodayalavalva@tiscali.it