Taurasi: Sacred Art, Castle and Wine Tradition
Accommodation in Taurasi
Taurasi combines sacred art, local history, wine tradition and archaeological traces. These themes can be encountered at specific sites: in the Chiesa Collegiata, in the medieval historic centre, at the Marchionale Castle, along the Calore River and in the LocalitĂ San Martino. The specific themes range from church furnishings and urban layout to wine, the river and agriculture.
Church Art and Historic Spaces
The Chiesa Collegiata di San Marciano Vescovo is at the centre of the town’s sacred heritage. Its single-nave interior has a frescoed vault and six marble altars. These are joined by a wooden statue of San Marciano Vescovo by Giacomo Colombo dating from 1708, a Baroque high altar dating from 1747 by an unknown artist, and a wooden organ dating from 1726. In the church interior, the frescoed vault, marble, wood and Baroque design stand side by side.
From Early Taurasi to the Medieval Historic Centre
The LocalitĂ Caselle is a Late Antique or early medieval settlement from the 5th to the 8th century AD and represents the first archaeological traces of Taurasi. In the medieval historic centre, the town walls are connected with a typical herringbone-like urban layout: regular side streets branch off from the main axis running from east to west. The Palazzo Marchionale complements this historic setting with a barrel-vaulted chapel, Baroque stucco decoration and an altar made of polychrome marble.
Castle, Wine and Local Products
The Marchionale Castle combines local history with wine tradition. It probably originated in the 7th century AD; Carlo Gesualdo was born in the Stanza del Principe in 1566. In the stables of the Marchionale Castle, the “Percorso Sensoriale Tau” introduces visitors to the world of Taurasi DOCG, Fiano di Avellino DOCG and Greco di Tufo DOCG wines. The Stanza del Principe and the stables represent different areas within the Marchionale Castle. Taurasi DOCG is a wine with a great tradition and is made from a grape variety with very ancient origins. The Ciliegia Maiatica is also a typical product of the Agro Taurasino and, alongside wine, represents another regional culinary speciality.
The Calore, San Martino and the Bridge
The Calore River runs through Taurasi. A bridge over the Calore between Taurasi and Torre le Nocelle was probably built in the Late Middle Ages, between the 12th and 15th centuries; when the water level is low, remains of its stone piers are visible. The LocalitĂ San Martino is an elevated plain with abundant water and fertile soil. Its location is interpreted as indicating a small agricultural settlement. Every August, the Fiera Enologica Taurasi takes place and gives the wine event a fixed place in the annual calendar.
Further destinations for your planning: Baiano, Caposele, Torre Le Nocelle, Teora, Villanova Del Battista, Domicella, Santa Lucia Di Serino and Trevico.
For the overarching travel overview: Avellino.
