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"Irpinia" is an historical-geographical district of southern Italy of 425.325 inhabitants, corresponding to the territory of the current province of Avellino. In ancient times, Irpinia included also some areas now belonging to the provinces of Benevento and Foggia.
"Irpinia" is an historical-geographical district of southern Italy of 425.325 inhabitants, corresponding to the territory of the current province of Avellino. In ancient times, Irpinia included also some areas now belonging to the provinces of Benevento and Foggia.
The territory
The territory
The territory is largely mountainous, with an intricate network of hills and valleys and a predominantly limestone Karst topography. Irpinia is centred on the section of the Apennines which runs from the "Sella di Ariano" to the springs of the Sele River. To the south are the Picentini Mountains, which include the highest peak of the region, Mount Terminio (1,783 m), and from which the Sorrentine peninsula extends. The region is bordered on the east by the Ofanto valley and the San Pietro lake, while to the north it merges with Sannio and Daunia.
Origins
Origins
The name "Irpinia" comes from the word "hirpus", which in Oscan language (an extinct Indo-European language of southern Italy) meant “wolf”, and the wolf remains Irpinia's symbol to this day. Oscan tribes of the Sabines, under demographic pressure, migrated towards this area in the 6th century BC from what is now Umbria. The Hirpini occupied the regions of Sabato, Calore Irpino and Ofanto, slowly differentiating themesleves from the Samnites who settled the area from Molise and Matese.
Typical products
Typical products
Irpinia has a proud tradition of producing wines such as Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo and Taurasi, all of which are classified as DOCG. Its cheeses, including “scamorza” and “caciocavallo”, have a high reputation. Irpinia’s salami (Sopressata) and sausages are popular, as are its chestnuts, its hazelnuts and the black truffles of Bagnoli Irpino.
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