The itinerary of the Transhumance Villages offers a fascinating journey through the Ufita and Ofanto valleys.

• 11 Jun 2024
• REperTUR
• GAL

Italy is a country rich in history, centuries-old traditions and breathtaking landscapes, and one of the most fascinating itineraries that combines all these elements is that of the Transhumance Villages. This route takes us to discover small villages perched along the tratturi, the ancient grassy paths traveled by shepherds during the transhumance. This thousand-year-old pastoral practice, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2019, sees shepherds lead their livestock, especially sheep, from the plains to the mountain pastures and vice versa, following the rhythm of the seasons.

The itinerary crosses the Ufita and Ofanto valleys, an area where pastoral culture is still alive, and each village encountered along the way tells its story and traditions. On this journey, you will explore uncontaminated and fascinating landscapes, where time seems to have stopped, and you can breathe in ancient atmospheres.

The Itinerary Stops:

• Lake Conza and the Historical and Archaeological Park of Conza
  The journey begins from Lake Conza, a protected area where nature reigns supreme. Here, you will also find the Historical and Archaeological Park of Conza, a city that re-emerged from the ruins after the devastating earthquake of 1980. Between the tranquility of the lake and the archaeological wealth, this place offers a unique encounter between history and nature.
• Castellum Carissanum – Cairano
  Continuing, you enter the medieval village of Cairano, known as Castellum Carissanum. Its ancient walls, the castle and the churches are enveloped in a constant wind, making the village a suggestive and magical place, perfect for those who love atmospheres suspended in time.
• Citadel of Andretta
  The fortified village of Andretta has Lombard and Norman origins, a place that still retains the appearance of a medieval citadel. Here, the stones tell of ancient battles and a glorious past.
• Aquilonìa and Carbonara
  In the quiet Aquilonìa, the flocks drink from the ancient fountain of the Montarcangelo forest, evidence of transhumance. Not far away, the remains of Carbonara, a settlement destroyed by an earthquake in the 1930s, now an archaeological park, offer a dive into the past.
• Monteverde
  The village of Monteverde, awarded by the European Commission with the Access City Award in 2019, is dominated by the Baronial Castle of San Germano. This village, once a possession of the Grimaldi of Monaco, offers breathtaking views and a rich history.
• Lacedonia
  Located along the valley of the Osento stream, Lacedonia is a village of great natural beauty. Its wild and uncontaminated landscapes, shaped by strong winds, are perfect for those seeking a connection with nature along the transhumance paths.
• Zungoli
  Against the backdrop of a tuff hill, the village of Zungoli enchants with its historic center made of cobbled alleys and stone stairways. Part of the Club of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, Zungoli is a place where you can breathe an authentic and ancient atmosphere.
• Ariano Irpino – The City of the Tricolle
  With a panoramic view that embraces the entire Southern Apennines, Ariano Irpino stands on three hills. This important crossroads between the Tyrrhenian and the Adriatic has a thousand-year history and is today one of the most evocative destinations of this itinerary.
• Savignano Irpino
  A medieval village located along the ancient sheep track that connected Sannio to Irpinia, Savignano Irpino is dominated by the Guevara castle. This village is also part of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, with a charm that comes from its ancient roots.
• Montecalvo Irpino and the Devil's Bridge
  In Montecalvo Irpino, you can admire the remains of the ancient Devil's Bridge, a Roman bridge located along the Via Traiana. This village is also known for its cave houses, dwellings dug into the rock from the Neolithic era.
• Casalbore
  The village of Casalbore is located along the route of the Regio Tratturo Pescasseroli-Candela, on the border with the province of Benevento. Here you can admire the suggestive medieval tower and the ancient buildings in local white stone.
• Ancient Melito
  The suggestive ghost town of Melito Vecchia, abandoned after the 1962 earthquake, is a place full of charm. Among its ruins, the Castle and the remains of the Old Church of Sant'Egidio stand out.
• Bonito
  In Bonito, there is the Norman Castle and the Church of Sant'Antonio, which houses the former convent. This village is also famous for being the birthplace of the famous fashion designer Salvatore Ferragamo.
• Torre Le Nocelle
  Located not far from the Appian Way, Torre Le Nocelle owes its name to the production of hazelnuts, once abundant throughout the Irpinia area.
• Taurasi
  Famous for its fine DOCG wines, the village of Taurasi is dominated by the Castello Marchionale, home to the provincial wine shop. A perfect place for lovers of good wine and food and wine traditions.
• Fontanarosa
  Known for its use of local limestone in its buildings, the village of Fontanarosa is an architectural treasure, with beautiful stone portals and 16th-century loggias.
• Gesualdo
  The village of Gesualdo, dominated by the Castle, is the birthplace of Carlo Gesualdo, one of the greatest madrigalists of his time. The village winds along concentric alleys, in an almost fairy-tale atmosphere.
• Grottaminarda
  Finally, the village of Grottaminarda, fortified by the d’Aquino family, offers an interesting mix of history and architecture with its castle and ancient churches.

The itinerary of the Transhumance Villages is a fascinating journey through enchanting places, where history, nature and traditions intertwine in a thousand-year-old story. It is an experience that goes beyond simple tourism: it is a deep immersion in the pastoral and peasant culture of southern Italy, a way to rediscover the roots of a past still alive in the hearts and stones of these timeless villages.