The Romanesque crypt of Avellino Cathedral reveals history in detail: it was built around the 6th century AD and is divided into three naves separated by 14 distinctive stone columns. Architecture enthusiasts will find a clear contrast between its classification as a Romanesque crypt and its early dating. The cathedral itself also has a recorded history: it was built in 1132 at the behest of Bishop Roberto.

Avellino’s history in museums and buildings

The Museo Civico di Villa Amendola offers a different perspective on time. Its permanent exhibition unfolds Avellino’s story in chronological order across five connected rooms. It spans the feudal rule of the Caracciolo family, which lasted from 1589 to 1806, through to the earthquake of 23 November 1980. The collection also preserves one of only two known self-portraits by Cosimo Fanzago in the world. Three bronze rosettes and three bronze lilies from a Baroque tower spire are on permanent display. Individual presentations may change.

At the Museo Irpino, the chronological arrangement of archaeological finds takes centre stage: the materials are arranged chronologically from prehistory to the late Roman period, while their original context of origin is preserved. This approach offers a different way to access the past than the story of a single place. Current exhibitions may also change here.

The Carcere Borbonico di Avellino tells of a more recent historical function: the building served as a prison until 1987. Together with the cathedral and museums, it shows the many ways in which the city’s history can be explored—through architectural forms, collections and a building’s former use.

Archaeological traces in the province of Avellino

There are also remarkable historic sites beyond the city. The Archaeological Park of Aeclanum in the province of Avellino covers around 18 hectares. It preserves the remains of a city founded by the Samnite Irpini and later conquered by Rome. The sequence of foundation and conquest gives the site its own historical context.

The Cippus Abellanus was found in the ruins of Castello di Avella in the province of Avellino: an inscription in the Oscan language dating to around 150 BC. The Archaeological Area of Avella also contains a Roman amphitheatre built during the late Republican period, in the 1st century BC. These two finds point to different forms of ancient heritage: an inscription and a public building.

The Abbazia del Goleto in the province of Avellino was built in 1133 at the behest of Saint William of Vercelli for a community of monks and nuns. The complex preserves medieval rooms stacked above one another in Romanesque and Gothic styles. For culture enthusiasts, its particular appeal lies in the interplay of architectural history and design: the rooms occupy different levels, while both styles are represented within the same complex.

Landscape, trails and regional produce

The Avellino Basin is bordered by the Monti Picentini. Beech forests, rare orchids and golden eagles characterise the protected ecosystem of the Parco Regionale dei Monti Picentini. Trails wind through beech forests, follow streams and lead to viewpoints. The CAI Trail 101, “L'alta via dei Monti Picentini,” offers a specific elevation reference: it leads to the summit of Monte Terminio at 1,806 metres. These details offer different perspectives on the landscape—from its habitat to the route and its summit destination.

The Geosito della Mefite in the Valle d'Ansanto is home to an unusual natural phenomenon. Gas emissions make the lake’s sulphurous water bubble, and the emissions affect vegetation within a three-kilometre radius. In Carmasciano in the province of Avellino, Pecorino di Carmasciano is made by hand from sheep’s milk sourced from pastures near the Mefite della Valle d'Ansanto. The cheese combines a regional speciality with the described pastureland; Carmasciano is located outside the city of Avellino.

The wider area around Avellino also includes the Santuario di Montevergine, a monastery complex built in 1126 at an altitude of 1,270 metres. It can be reached on foot from Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo, or by funicular from Mercogliano. Check travel details before setting out. Religious architectural history and different ways of getting there add to the region’s cultural and scenic discoveries.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Villanova Del Battista, Sant'angelo, Sperone, Solofra, Serino, Pietradefusi, Ospedaletto Dʼalpinolo, Nusco, Mercogliano, Manocalzati, Forino, Castelvetere Sul Calore, Ariano Irpino, Montella, Calitri, Capriglia Irpina, Migliano, San Sossio Baronia, Santa Lucia Di Serino, Lauro, Caposele, Atripalda, Grottaminarda, Montemiletto, Avellino, Baiano, Bisaccia, Venticano, Mirabella Eclano, Monteforte Irpino, Pietrastornina, Beatrice, Sorbo Serpico, Bagnoli Irpino, Contrada, Misciano, Villaggio Laceno, Montefredane, Paternopoli, Montefusco, Taurasi, Villamaina, Teora, Rocca San Felice, Piano, Senerchia, Casalbore, Trevico, Gesualdo, Montemarano, Quadrelle, Torre Le Nocelle, Fontanarosa, Lacedonia, Flumeri, San Michele di Serino, Castelfranci, San Potito Ultra, Domicella, Vallata, Orneta, Monteverde, Cairano, Santo Stefano del Sole.

For the broader travel overview: Campania.