Montella

The municipality of Montella (Avellino) lies at the source of the River Calore, within the Monti Picentini Park, at an altitude of 634 metres, and has around 7,600 inhabitants. The name comes from Monticulus or Montillus, which became Montilla, Motilla and finally Montella: it clearly derives from 'monte' (mountain), in the sense of 'fortified hill'. Surrounded by chestnut groves, walnut plantations and orchards, the town was originally Samnite-Hirpinian, then Roman and Lombard. It is known for its chestnuts and is a base for walks along the River Calore and in the surrounding mountains, particularly Monte Accelica, with its distinctive twin-humped profile and central pinnacle, an ancient landmark for finding one's way across the territory.