Irpinia is the area in which Calitri is located, and the adjacent Vulture is beautiful lands virtually unknown to mass tourism. They boast an ancient history and uncontaminated nature, and visitors plunge straight into the green countryside, discovering ancient villages perched among the hills and mountains and ruins of castles and cathedrals from times gone by. 

The river Ofanto flows along the valleys, breaking up into tiny tributaries, beautiful streams and brooks that breathe life into the fertile landscape. Enchanting little waterfalls are formed in many gorges, refreshing the visitor's eyes.

The origins of Calitri are lost in the mists of time, and the town and its surroundings are dotted with archeological remains dating back from ancient Rome. With the passing of the centuries the area became an important route of communication and transport connecting the Tyrrhenian to the Adriatic coast. 

It fell under the reign of Fedric II of Svevia during the 12th century and was subjected to Spanish dominion, and later became difficult to visit when many locals became makeshift highwayman in a bid to combat Napoleonic dominion in the 800s. This turned the region into an isolated, insecure and poor area, which in turn encouraged workers and families in the early 1900s to emigrate to the richer north of Italy in search of a better future, abandoning many villages and towns. 

The local economy also suffered from an earthquake in the 1980s similar to one in that took place in the region of Umbria in 1997.

Medieval historical hamlets and old castles are a must for the discerning visitor, who can also look to the visit for tranquility, hospitality and a high quality of life. The Antico Borgo Calitri, a stunning residential medieval hamlet is the oldest section of the Calitri, and is dominated by the castle in which predates the 12th century.

One of the most prominent buildings in the Antico Borgo Calitri is the Palazzo Zampaglione. It is a three-story building of historical importance. The ground floor of the palazzo dates back as far as the end of the 15th century and is characterized by vaulted-ceiling cellars. 

Many internal sections of the palazzo are strengthened in wood, on which carved and painted heraldic decorations can be seen on display. The palazzo has been completely restructured with a view to maintaining all the characteristics and flavors of its history.

Visitors will be able to discern noticeable English influence from the family ties the Zampagliones (the owners of the Palazzo) have with the Winspeares of England.

On the first floor, adjacent to the main entrance of the Palazzo, is the family's private chapel with frescoed walls and an engraved marble altar dating back from the 1700s. Also in the chapel is an antique Neapolitan nativity crib from the same period. 

The palazzo's numerous stone decorations are of historical importance, among which the main door's stone entrance-way, which bears the Zampaglione family coat of arms, and a traditional stone mask set into one of the palazzo's archways (according to local superstitions these masks ward off negative influences and spirits).

Today, the area around Calitri is sprinkled with castles, aristocratic palazzos and delightful locations soaked in history and tradition, ridged with hills and valleys and marked by the ancient trails along which Hannibal and his legions marched when setting off to attack ancient Rome 2,000 years ago. Those spending time in the area can enjoy the many village fairs, local food festivals, markets and commemorative processions that take place in the piazzas and the alleys of little villages in Irpinia and Vulture.

Plenty of itineraries to choose ranging from those focusing on medieval archeology, thermal, to those focusing on traditional arts, learning the local cuisine, ceramics and needlepoint. Visitors can partake in all of these, safe in the knowledge that by doing so they will be helping keep these traditions alive. Alternatively, one can benefit from the peace and quiet and the relaxed country living to just get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Plenty of activities and Mediterranean hospitality await you. The options are endless: take a class in traditional ceramics, learn to needlepoint, go truffle hunting, sip fine labels at regional wine tasting, partake in culinary demonstrations or visit the wine production estate and learn about wine barrel production practices handed down through generations of wine makers.

Forget your typical notions of southern Italy, Calitri is for those that do. Old Italian charm awaits you!