Calitri Visitors can wander round the medieval village to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the local artisan's shops and the exceptional regional cuisine among other activities. Calitri is world-known for its artistic ceramics, needlepoint and arts. Many sports including skiing, paragliding, horse riding, mountain biking, fishing and hunting can also be practiced. For those seeking more relaxing occupations, soaking in the nearby thermal baths or embarking on exciting culinary or wine itineraries are an attractive option.
The area is steeped in history and tradition and sprinkled with castles and aristocratic palazzos that serve as a testament to the important role it's played in Southern Italy's history.
The 'Antico Borgo Calitri' is in the oldest section of the 6,500-strong town and is dominated by the castle which predates the 12th century. The town is known to locals as the 'Positano d'Irpinia' because its pastel colors and architecture reflect those of the villages on the Amalfi coast. Calitri is surrounded by idyllic countryside interspersed with rivers, lakes, fields, woods and archeological ruins.Here, old folk traditions are very much woven into every day life, with the whole community working towards keeping their ancestor's heritage alive and at the same time maintaining the high standards of service that an excellent location, a variety of traditions, and a rich agriculture-based economy permits. 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.
The locals have witnessed many wars and invasions in centuries gone by. There are many visible signs of the presence of the Romans, the Longobards, the Aragoneses and the Bourbons. Medieval historical centres 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 origins of Calitri are lost in the mists of time, and the town and its surroundings are dotted with archeological remains Calitri countrysidedating 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 highway men 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 as well as North and South America 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.
