Castles are the sign of villages. A village was built because it needed to defend itself and in a sense isolate itself. The castle seals these needs. Today we have a romantic idea of towns and villages. Once, the prerogatives of defense were preponderant. A history largely yet to be known. A history that, especially in the South, follows the dominations suffered in this part of the peninsula. It was mainly the Lombards who wanted the villages like this, around the heights.
To return to this story, we propose a tour through three castles all to visit Province of Avellino.
Let’s start from Lauro, land where the castle is “king” in a simple territory. When the chain of Partenio now looks more and more concretely to the Neapolitan area, here the Lauro vall, with its homonymous mountains, marks one of the border territories between the two provinces of Avellino and Naples. And here is the town of Lauro, seen from one of the heights of the area. This is a simple, extremely rural Irpinia. And yet, the majestic Lancellotti Castle is elevated, certainly dated to the 13th century but with probable prodromes of a few centuries before. It is a valid reason to follow the furrows, even around wild and uncultivated, of this particular corner of Campania, unknown to the mass tourist tracks and perhaps, for this reason, uncontaminated and archaically pure. From here, even from nearby Taurano, you can admire the panorama towards the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The ancient capital of the South is there, dominating the sight and emotions.
Moving not a little, let’s get to know the charm of the castle of Gesualdo.
Always the province of Avellino.
Here is precisely the beautiful town of Gesualdo, with its famous manor. The castle was the center of power of the Gesualdo family, who took the name from this village. It was the home of Prince Carlo Gesualdo, one of the fathers of polyphonic music. Man very close to Venosa (Pz), the city where he was born and of which he was a feudal lord. Here the castle is still the true prince of the territory. So many events are organized, especially in the name of music and theater. Gesualdo and Venosa are united precisely in honor of art and music itself. The castle is majestic, it is imperious.
Then there is a hidden treasure in Montemiletto (still Av). Here we are closer to the provincial capital, but also Benevento is not far. The village boasts a curious and evocative castle, called “Della Leonessa” from the name of the feudal lords. The country dominates the valley of the Calore and Sabato rivers, famous rivers of Campania and Irpinia. A manor that twice hosted Charles III of Bourbon. It has been recently restored. Montemiletto, Irpinia simple and well cared for.
Little hidden treasures, in short.
An Irpinia now loved by cultured tourism. All that remains is to continue on this path.
Go there, let’s go.
