Paternopoli
Paternopoli (AV)
Hidden gemVillages
The story
Stone alleys and cellars dug into the tufo (volcanic tuff) where the Aglianico rests: here wine is not a product, it is kinship.
Access
FREE
The story
In the middle valley of the Calore, among the hills of central Irpinia, Paternopoli has a name that weaves Latin and Greek: «city of the father», perhaps in memory of the hermits — the pater — who according to tradition populated the area since the Roman age. Until 1864 it was called simply Paterno. Its origins sink into the Samnite period, and in the Roman age the settlement was fortified after the wars against the Samnites.
What to see
The village keeps the compact layout of the Irpinian hill centres, facing the valley of the Calore. The territory falls among the municipalities of the production area of Taurasi DOCG, the great red from Aglianico grapes: here the vine is an ancient vocation, and the landscape is that of the vineyards of central Irpinia.
Hours and prices
Free entry.
Tips
Paternopoli is an excellent base for the Irpinia of wine: it falls within the Taurasi DOCG area and all around is a succession of vines and Aglianico wineries. The car is better for moving in the valley of the Calore. To be experienced calmly, for the atmosphere more than for a single monument.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Paternopoli mean?
«City of the father»: it joins the Latin pater and the Greek pòlis. A tradition ties it to the hermits (the pater) who are said to have inhabited the area since the Roman age.
Until when was Paternopoli called Paterno?
Until 1864, when the suffix -poli was added to the name Paterno to form the present Paternopoli.
Is Paternopoli a land of Taurasi?
Yes: Paternopoli falls among the municipalities of the production area of Taurasi DOCG, the famous red from Aglianico grapes of Irpinia.
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