| Ariano Irpino | ||
 | ||
Coat of arms  | ||
| Salutation | the City of Tricolle | |
|---|---|---|
| State | Italy | |
| Region | Campania | |
| Territory | Irpinia | |
| Altitude | 788 m a.s.l. | |
| Surface | 186.74 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 22.250 (2018) | |
| Name inhabitants | Arianesi | |
| Prefix tel | 39 0825 | |
| POSTAL CODE | 83031 | |
| Time zone | UTC 1 | |
| Patron | Sant'Ottone Frangipane (March 23) | |
Position
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| Institutional website | ||
Ariano Irpino is a citizen ofIrpinia, in the hinterland of Campania. It is located astride theApennines, near the border with the Puglia.
To know
The city is the most populous in the province after the capital Avellino (from which it is about 50 km away) and has a wide range of services for the benefit of the whole area. Its economy is based on agriculture (olive trees and cereals), animal husbandry (meat and dairy products) and crafts (majolica production).
Geographical notes
It stands on three high hills (also shown on the municipal coat of arms), in a dominant position with respect to the whole surrounding area. In fact, from the historic city center it is possible to see some glimpses of 6 of the 20 Italian regions (Lazio, Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, Puglia is Basilicata).
When to go
The climate is affected by altitude so that, throughout the year, temperatures are several degrees lower than, for example, in a city like Rome. This means that in summer the heat is decidedly moderate while in winter, one or more times, the landscape inevitably turns white.
Background
The town has very ancient origins. In fact, there are two archaeological sites in the area: the Neolithic village of "La Starza" (the oldest in Campania) and the Roman village of "Aequum Tuticum" (road junction between the Via Traiana and the Via Herculea). The current historical center of Ariano, on the other hand, has medieval origins. Founded by the Lombards, it assumed great importance under the Normans. In fact, King Roger II lived there and held the famous "Assizes of Ariano" (in the 12th century). Then devastated by the Saracens of Lucera, resources under the Angevins. It was one of the first southern towns to free itself from the feudal yoke (since 1585).
How to orient yourself
Ariano Irpino: full screen map.The historic center is located in the highest part of the municipal area, on a triple hill called "Tricolle". The outlying districts line up along the S.S. 90, halfway up. The railway station is instead located in the valley.
How to get
By plane
The intercontinental airport of Rome-Fiumicino is about 275 km. The nearest international airport is that of Naples-Capodichino, 100 km away.
By car
The town is crossed by the S.S. 90 and lapped by the A-16:
- from Rome: A1 towards Naples, junction Caianello, continuation on SS 372 for Benevento, then A16 direction Bari, release of Grottaminarda and continue on SS 90 towards Foggia;
- or, alternatively, A1 direction Naples, then A30 direction Salerno, then A16 towards Bari, Grottaminarda junction and continue on SS 90 towards Foggia;
- from Naples: A16 towards Bari, Grottaminarda junction and continuation on SS 90 towards Foggia;
- from Pescara: A14 towards Bari, Foggia junction and continue on SS 90 towards Naples;
- from Bari: A14 towards Pescara, then A16 towards Naples, Grottaminarda junction and continuation on the SS 90 towards Foggia;
- or, alternatively, A14 direction Pescara, Foggia junction and continue on SS 90 towards Naples.
On the train
The city has a railway station located about 5 km from the town and located on the route Benevento-Foggia of the line Rome-Bari. The train timetables can be consulted in the appropriate website.
Other possible interchange stations are: Foggia (at 62 km), Naples Central (104 km), Rome Tiburtina (274 km away).
By bus
There are AIR bus lines daily direct to Avellino, Benevento, Foggia is Naples, while other transport companies (Caputo, Carucci) ensure relations with Rome.
How to get around
By public transport
Circular bus lines AMU.
What see
 | 1 Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Ariano Cathedral), Piazza Duomo, ☎ 39 0825 871139, @[email protected]. Of early medieval origins, the cathedral houses many works of art from various periods; the Romanesque stone facade of Rose garden it was built in the 15th century.   |
 | 2 Norman Castle with Panoramic Gardens, Lusi square. Located at over 800 meters above sea level, at the highest point of the city, it was chosen by Ruggero II King of Sicily as a summer residence in place of the sultry Palermo. The grandiose Villa Comunale extends all around it, full of wide panoramic views. |
 | 3 Norman Civilization Museum, Lusi square (Norman Castle). Set in an evocative historical setting, it houses weapons and artifacts of all kinds dating back to the Middle Ages in general and to the Norman era in particular. |
 | 4 Civic and Ceramics Museum, Via d'Afflitto (Forte Palace). In addition to numerous prints and period images, the Museum exhibits a wide range of local majolica and ceramics dating back to the 12th century. |
 | 5 Silver Museum, Piazza Plebiscito (Cathedral Basilica). Inside it houses a good number of ancient finely worked silver works, although the most precious find is a reliquary containing two Holy Thorns of Christ donated to the city by King Charles of Anjou in the thirteenth century. |
 | 6 Diocesan Museum, Via Annunziata (at Piazza Duomo), @[email protected]. Divided into several sections, the museum contains paintings, textiles, wood and stone from the entire diocese, attested since the 10th century. |
 | 7 Arcucci Museum, Via Mancini (behind the town hall, at the Sisters of the Holy Spirit), ☎ 39 0825 871480. Dedicated to the founder of an entire female religious order, it houses ancient monastic finds as well as contemporary artistic works of the missionary field. |
 | 8 archaeological Museum, Via Donato Anzani (Forte Palace), ☎ 39 0825 824935. Located adjacent to the Civic Museum, it exhibits archaeological finds from the nearby Valle del Miscano, continuously populated since the Paleolithic. |
 | 9 Biogeo, Museum of the History of Life and the Earth, contrada Camporeale (inside the Biogem research center, 8 km from the center). This curious museum provides, thanks to paleontological finds, reproductions and multimedia supports, a realistic and compelling picture of the origin and evolution of life on Earth. |
 | 10 Sanctuary of the Madonna di Valleluogo, Valleluogo district (in a green valley 4 km from the center, along the provincial road to Montecalvo). Ancient Marian sanctuary built near a water mill after the Madonna appeared to the miller's daughter. The mill is also well preserved and can be visited. |
.jpeg/160px-La_Starza_(Ariano_Irpino).jpeg) | 11 The Starza, contrada Cristina (located 12 km from the city center, along the S.S. 90 Bis). Neolithic village (near a chalk cliff at 410 m a.s.l.), the oldest in Campania, continuously populated since the 6th millennium BC. until around 900 BC The area is rich in woods and water (there is also a small lake with the spring in use since ancient times) |
 | 12 Aequum Tuticum, contrada S.Eleuterio (located 16 km from the city center, along the S.S. 90 Bis). Ancient Roman village (on a plateau at 575 m a.s.l.), at the intersection between the Via Traiana and the Via Herculea. In the early Middle Ages the village, located along the via Francigena, came back to life, but only for a few centuries. However, in the vicinity it is still possible to admire several majestic medieval farms. |
Events and parties
- 1 Ariano International Film Festival (AIFF), @[email protected].
July and August. International film festival. - 2 Historical re-enactment of the gift of the Holy Thorns. August. Ancient historical reenactment.
- 3 Pizza party (in Bosco Frólice, a large green area 5 km from the city center). August. Traditional appointment dedicated to good food and excellent company.
- 4 Ariano Folkfestival (AFF), @[email protected]. August and December. International folk music festival.
July and August. International film festival.What to do
- 1 The turtle, Carpiniello district (located in a pleasant valley 1.5 km from the center), ☎ 39 0825 827272. It is a large sports complex with swimming pools, playgrounds, green areas etc.
Shopping
Important exhibitions they take place, always in the historic center, on Palm Sunday, Sunday in Albis, 13 June, 16 July and 1 November.
Two fairs are held on the outskirts: the second Sunday of May in the Cardito district, and the first Sunday of August in the Martiri district.
Large distribution chains also find a place in peripheral areas. Conversely, the shops and typical shops are located in the historic center.
- Weekly market (In the historic center). Wednesday.
- Christmas markets (In the historic center). Sundays of Advent. Traditional foods, objects and antiques.
- Arianese majolica Flavio Grasso, Via Donato Anzani, 5 (Near the museum of ceramics), ☎ 39 0825 873068.
How to have fun
Shows
- "Municipal" cinema-theater, Via Tribunali (in the historic center).
- Classic Aryan, Forte Palace (entrance from the Civic Museum).
Free admission. Sun 19: 00-22: 00. classical music review
Free admission. Night clubs
The area of the nightlife it is located in the Piazzale Pasteni area, near the bus terminal, where there are many pubs and public places. The discos are instead located on the outskirts, along the S.S. 90.
Where to eat
The local cuisine, rich in typicality, has its roots on the ancient agro-pastoral traditions; among the various gastronomic peculiarities stand out the caciocchiato (an exclusively local cheese which bears the PAT brand) and extra virgin olive oil Irpinia - Ufita hills, boasting the DOP mark (Ariano Irpino is a City of oil).
The rural areas are teeming with agritourism establishments, but there is no shortage of restaurants in the historic center.
Moderate prices
- Bitter-sweet (Zinc), Rampa San Paolo (near the Cathedral Basilica), ☎ 39 0825 824778, @[email protected].
Average prices
- San Domenico Bar Restaurant, Corso Vittorio Emanuele (in front of the police headquarters), ☎ 39 0825 872172.
High prices
- La Pignata restaurant, viale dei Tigli, 8 (at the bus terminal), ☎ 39 0825 872571, @[email protected].
Where stay
Moderate prices
- Sisters of the Holy Spirit, via Mancini 16 (in the historic center, behind the Town Hall), ☎ 39 0825 871489, fax: 39 0825 871480, @[email protected].
Average prices
- Kristall Hotel, contrada Fontana Angelica (on the outskirts, along the S.S. 90), ☎ 39 0825 892265, 39 0825 892684.
High prices
- Grand Hotel Biffy, Contrada Cardito (on the outskirts, along the S.S. 90), ☎ 39 0825 828682.
Safety
A video surveillance system is active in the urban area.
- Civil protection, Via Parzanese, ☎ 39 0825 1801540.
- Municipal police, Piazzale Pasteni, ☎ 39 0825 875142.
- State Police, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, ☎ 39 0825 829311.
- Carabinieri, Via Panoramica, ☎ 39 0825 823600.
How to keep in touch
Internet
In the city center, hotspots with free wi-fi have been set up. Each point is indicated by special signs.
Keep informed
- Radio Ariano Centro, on FM 107,700
- TV Channel 58
- City of Ariano News
Around
Along the Apennines, on the mountains between theIrpinia and the Daunia there are some small communities belonging to ancient ethnic groups: they are the Arbëreshë / Albanians of Greeks and of the Franco-Provençal ones of Faeto. Settled along the Via Francigena, a medieval itinerary frequented by people of all lineages; they still preserve the language, culture and traditions of their respective homelands of origin (in particular the production of absolutely typical cheeses and cured meats). The lowercase is also interesting Ginestra degli Schiavoni which, as its name clearly attests, is immersed in the patches of broom and preserves the memory of the ancient Slavic peoples (the Slavoni or "Schiavoni").
Also noteworthy are some of the most beautiful villages in Italy, such as Savignano Irpino (preserved practically intact) e Zungoli (with a magnificent castle still in perfect condition); the latter, located along the very ancient Regio Tratturo, also boasts the orange flag Montecalvo Irpino (with its homemade bread baked in a wood oven) e Castelfranco in Miscano (its podolic caciocavallo is famous), while it stands out for its natural beauties Montaguto with its springs and its centuries-old oak woods, ideal for picnics.
Lastly, there is an authentic curiosity: it is the so-called bubbles of malvizza (literally "bubbles of the blackbird"), an arcane natural phenomenon of origin not volcanic that occurs among the vast prairies of the Miscano Valley, exactly halfway between the aforementioned Castelfranco and Ginestra.
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Ariano Irpino
Commons contains images or other files on Ariano Irpino
