Medieval Campanian hill town known for layered pastel streets and a centuries-old ceramics tradition.
Europe > Italy > Campania > Calitri
Calitri is a small medieval hill town in the interior of Campania, in the Irpinia area of Avellino province. It sits about 80 km east of Naples, perched above a valley of rivers, fields, and chestnut woods. Locals call it the "Positano d'Irpinia" — the comparison flatters the coast somewhat, but the pastel colours and layered streets of the old town (the Antico Borgo) are genuinely attractive.
The town is best known in the region for its ceramics tradition, producing distinctive red and green-glazed pottery that has been made here for centuries. Courses in ceramics, needlepoint, and local cooking are available. The surrounding countryside offers walking, cycling, horse riding, and access to thermal baths at nearby Contursi Terme.
Calitri is not on most tourist itineraries, which is part of its appeal. If you want to see an inland Campanian hill town that still functions as a working community, this is a reasonable choice.
Guide
Eating Out in Calitri
Calitrian cooking is rustic, meaty, and spicy — a southern Italian inland cuisine with strong Irpinian character. The local pasta is hand-made: cingul' (short twirly pasta with a thick tomato sauce), lahan', and cannazze with tomato sauce and pecorino. For meat, look for m'gliatiegghij' — rolled lamb or kid casings stuffed with cheese, offal, garlic, and sausage — and sfritta (chopped pork with hot peppers). Stockfish prepared with garlic, herbs, and chili (a la ualanegna) is a traditional dish from the farming past.
La Locanda dell'Arco di Zampaglione (Via dell'Arco di Zampaglione 5). Restaurant in the medieval borgo, carved into the hillside. Outdoor dining in summer with views over the rooftops. Tel: +39 334 7921880.
Guide
Getting to Calitri
Calitri is in the Irpinia hills, about 80km from Naples and not served by rail. The easiest approach is by car.
From Naples: Take the A16 motorway east towards Canosa di Puglia. Exit at Lacedonia, then follow signs to Bisaccia and Calitri. About 1 hour 20 minutes from Naples.
From Rome: A3 south from Rome, then A30 to A16 east. Exit Lacedonia. Allow 3.5 to 4 hours.
There is no practical public transport from Naples to Calitri.
