Montella, in the heart of the Picentini mountains, combines breathtaking nature, fascinating history and authentic cuisine. Among excursions, typical dishes such as cavatelli and caciocavallo, and spectacular panoramas, is a destination that conquers all the senses.

• 17 Jun 2025
• REPERTUR

Montella: the green heart of Irpinia between nature, history and authentic flavors

In the beating heart of Irpinia, among the sweet hills and mountains that characterize the Campania landscape, Montella is located, a village full of charm and traditions.

Surrounded by the uncontaminated beauty of the Picentini Mountains, Montella is not only an ideal place for nature lovers, but also a perfect destination for those who want to rediscover authentic cuisine, made of intense and genuine flavors. Walking through the streets of the town, the perfect union between the ancient charm of its traditions and the modernity of a territory that still knows how to keep its character is perceived.

Montella is the gate of access to one of the most fascinating landscapes in Irpinia. The Monti Picentini regional park offers paths of incomparable beauty, where to walk through the woods of beech trees, oaks and chestnut trees becomes an immersive experience. Here, nature is absolute protagonist, and every step along the paths will lead you to the discovery of spectacular panoramas, where the view is lost between the valleys and the mountains that embrace the village.

Mount Terminio, one of the highest peaks of the Picentini Mountains, is easily accessible and offers visitors a panoramic view that ranges from the Calabrian Alps to the Gulf of Salerno. Excursions in these places are a unique opportunity to enjoy unspoiled nature, ideal for trekking, walks and mountain bike trips, who will make every outdoor enthusiast fall in love.

But Montella is not just a paradise for hikers. Its privileged position allows you to live a mountain that changes face to each season: in summer it is a cool and regenerating place, while in winter it becomes a perfect destination for those who love to practice cross -country skiing and hiking with snowshoes.

In addition to a breathtaking nature, Montella is also a small casket of history. Its historic center, with the cobbled streets, the picturesque squares and the ancient churches, retains a charm that tells the millennial story of the village. The Montella Castle, which dominates the town, is an imposing example of medieval architecture and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys. Although the castle is now partly in ruins, its grandeur is still visible, and walking among its walls you can imagine the stories of ancient battles and medieval life that have marked the history of Montella.

Another point of historical interest is the church of San Giovanni Battista, with its slender bell tower and its interior full of works of art. Here, the religiosity of the community mixes with the charm of tradition, giving life to an atmosphere of great spirituality and peace.

After a day spent among the natural and historical beauties, nothing is better than sitting at the table to taste the typical dishes of Montella, which tell the gastronomic tradition of the area. Montellese cuisine is characterized by fresh and seasonal ingredients, which reflect the simplicity and authenticity of the earth.

One of the most loved dishes is the  cavatello montellese, a fresh handmade pasta, which is seasoned with rich sauces based on porcini mushrooms and chestnuts. The scent of fresh pasta mixes with the delicate flavor of the mushrooms and the sweetness of the chestnuts, creating a perfect combination that enchants the palate. In the autumn, the porcini mushrooms in the area are a real delicacy, and Montella is famous for being an ideal place to enjoy them in all variants, from risotto to omelette.
Montella cannot be left without having tasted the caciocavallo podolico, a cheese typical of the area, with a compact consistency and intense flavor. Montella's caciocavallo is one of the most valuable of Irpinia, and is often served with a thread of chestnut honey or accompanied by local cured meats, for an appetizer that contains the authenticity of the country's gastronomic tradition.
Montella's wine also deserves a special mention. The area is famous for its vineyards, which produce quality grapes, such as Aglianico and Fiano di Avellino, two of the most appreciated wines in Campania. A glass of Fiano, with its fruity perfume and its fresh flavor, is the perfect companion for every typical Montellese dish.
To conclude a typical meal in Montella, you cannot do without a traditional dessert. The Montellese puff pastry, crunchy and stuffed with cream, is a dessert that contains all the richness of the local pastry. His thin pasta and the soft filling are an incredible explosion of taste. Alternatively, the zeppole, fried desserts covered with icing sugar, are perfect for a snack or as a dessert after a dinner.
Montella is a destination that knows how to fascinate any type of traveler. Whether it is to explore its natural landscapes, to immerse yourself in its history or to taste its typical dishes, Montella offers an experience that conquers the senses and the heart. His cuisine, his views and his welcoming people are an invitation to discover an authentic corner of Irpinia, where the beauty of the landscape merges with the simplicity of tradition.
Visit Montella, and let yourself be carried away by its magic, where every corner, every dish and every smile tell a story to live and remember.
A trip to Montella is a journey that will remain in the heart, a place where nature, history and gastronomy intertwine to create a unique and unforgettable experience.