Guardia Lombardi
Guardia Lombardi (AV)
Hidden gemViews & panoramas

The story
The name says it all: a Lombard lookout at almost a thousand metres, where on clear days you can see the Vulture and the Picentini together. The wind here never stops, and the old folk say it carries the voices of the villages below.
Access
FREE
The story
At almost a thousand metres, in the heart of Upper Irpinia, Guardia Lombardi is the second highest municipality in Campania, after the nearby Trevico. The name betrays the origin: a Lombard 'guard' post, facing between the valley of the Ufita and that of the Ofanto. Around it, woods, countryside and springs — from one of these rises the river Fredane.
What to see
You climb up to Guardia Lombardi for the panorama: from the bell tower of the Mother Church and from the nearby Monte Cerreto, on clear days, the gaze takes in four regions — Campania, Basilicata, Molise and Apulia — as far as glimpsing the Adriatic Sea. Around the town, the woods and the rural buildings of Upper Irpinia.
Hours and prices
Free entry.
Tips
Prepare for the coolness and the wind of the altitude, even in summer: almost a thousand metres are felt. Choose a clear day, because here the reason for the visit is the horizon. The car is indispensable in this inland corner of Irpinia. A fine base to explore the Upper Irpinia of villages and springs.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Guardia Lombardi?
About 998 metres: it is the second highest municipality in Campania, after Trevico.
What can you see from the panorama of Guardia Lombardi?
On clear days, from the bell tower of the Mother Church and from Monte Cerreto you can glimpse four regions (Campania, Basilicata, Molise, Apulia) and the Adriatic Sea.
Where is Guardia Lombardi?
In Upper Irpinia, in the province of Avellino, between the valley of the Ufita and that of the Ofanto.
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