Capriglia Irpina

The Municipality of Capriglia Irpina is located within the area of the Partenio Park. It's a town with 2,404 inhabitants, located 575 metres above sea level, at 7 km from Avellino. The territory extends for 7.49 sq km and the adjoining municipalities are: Avellino, Grottolella, Sant’Angelo a Scala and Summonte.
The etymology of the name is said to be linked to the aristocratic Capriolo family, who lived in Capriglia until the 18th century. The inhabitants are called Caprigliesi and Saint Nicholas of Bari is their patron saint.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Carafa Palace - Also called “Carafa Castle”, is an interesting structure from an architectural point of view, located in the upper part of the historic centre
Church of San Nicola (Saint Nicholas) - Church dating back to the mid-16th century, dedicated to the Patron Saint of Capriglia
Church of Sant’Antonio (Saint Anthony) - Located along the street of the same name, it was built in the 16th century: within it devotional and liturgical objects and a canvas of the 18th century are preserved
Church of San Felice (Saint Felix) - The structure, dating back to the 16th century and located in the hamlet of the same name, is simple and has some decorations internally
Other - Marchesale Palace

EVENTS

Zeza di Capriglia - Carnival of historical folklore tradition, scheduled to fall on the days before Shrove Tuesday
Feast of Saint Nicholas - Celebrations in honour of the patron saint, scheduled for December
Feast of Saint Felix - Typical feast of the hamlet of San Felice, takes place in May
Gnocco and Jonda Festival - Food and wine event, takes place in September
Living Nativity Scene - Christmas representation event, takes place in December

TYPICAL FOOD AND PRODUCTS

Fiano di Avellino DOCG - One of the finest white wines of Italy and the international market
White apple of Grottolella PAT - Fruit with white pulp, compact, very sweet, aromatic and preservable
Honey - An integral part of the culture and history of the local populations. It's produced in the Partenio area in different types: Asphodel Honey, Borage Honey, Thistle Honey and Bramble Honey, all recognized as PAT
Hazelnut - Typical product of the territory, characterised by a medium-small fruit, subcylindrical and compressed laterally

FUN FACTS

In Capriglia Irpina was born, according to some sources, on 28 June 1476, Gian Pietro Carafa (1476-1559), who later became pope with the name of Paul IV in 1555.

HISTORICAL NOTES

The origin of Capriglia Irpina is rather uncertain, although it is assumed to be particularly ancient. The various archaeological finds in the localities of Soprappiano and Ischia, in addition to the necropolis, the rustic villas and other objects found inside some tombs, suggest that one can be certain of human presence at the time of Christ and a relationship between the events of Capriglia with those of nearby Abellinum (in the territory of today’s Atripalda).
The town was a fief of several powerful families of the Kingdom of Naples: the Carafa, the Caracciolo (former princes of Avellino) and the Schipani families. The latter, in 1738, ceded it to the Marquis of Arneto who died without male children and, for this reason, the town was acquired in 1780 by Nicola Macedonio, who had the Lordship with the title of Marquis and to whose family it belonged, until the abolition of feudal rights, in 1806.