Cassano Irpino

The municipality of Cassano Irpino (Avellino) lies on the upper course of the River Calore, within the Monti Picentini Park, at an altitude of 510 metres, and has around 950 inhabitants.

The name comes from the Gens Cassia and the suffix -anus, indicating a Praedium Cassianum, a large estate or country villa belonging to that family.

Not to be missed is the striking dome of the 'Sorgente Pollentina', which shelters a large lake fed by spring water. Four springs rise here in Cassano, forming kilometre zero of the Apulian Aqueduct, the largest drinking-water supply system in Europe, which serves four regions of southern Italy: Campania, Puglia, Basilicata and Molise. In the historic centre, a visit to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the mother church of San Bartolomeo (around 12 noon) is recommended. Strolling through the lovely lanes of the old town, you reach the medieval Castle, formerly the baronial palace of the Cavaniglia family, recently restored.