Savignano Irpino, the Neolithic-origin village

Savignano Irpino, one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages, is a place where history, traditions, and natural beauty intertwine harmoniously. The town’s name may derive from Nasellius Sabinus, a Roman soldier from the 1st century, who gave rise to the Fundus Sabinianus and later the Castrum Sabinianum, or from the Italic Sabine populations. Its origins are ancient, as evidenced by Neolithic graffiti in the San Felice cave and prehistoric settlements in Ferrara, S. Angelo, and Sierro Palumbo. During the Middle Ages, Savignano experienced significant dominations and historical events, including the episode of Governor Sarolo Guarna and the rise of the Guevara family. The village still preserves memories tied to brigandage, revolutionary uprisings, and administrative changes that led, in 1964, to its current name: Savignano Irpino.

The village’s treasures

Among Savignano Irpino’s marvels stands the majestic Guevara Castle, founded during the Lombard era (7th–8th century), later transformed into a fortress by the Normans and eventually a noble residence under the Guevara. At the village entrance is Porta Grande, the main gateway from the 16th century, leading into the heart of the historic center. The Mother Church, of Romanesque origin, houses a 1514 baptistery and fine side chapels, while the evocative 19th-century Church of Purgatory preserves the ancient statue of the Immaculate Conception. Strolling along the picturesque Via dei Finestroni, with its arches resembling large windows, one breathes the village’s authenticity. Not to be missed is the Tombola, a panoramic viewpoint offering vistas of Savignano Scalo and surrounding towns. Also noteworthy are the 18th-century Orsini Palace, now the town hall, the War Memorial (1927), and the distinctive Angelica Fountain, known as “Candida,” from whose cast-iron spouts flows pure water from Mount S. Angelo. Finally, in the Cesine area lies the Norman Mill, known as Bethlehem, an ancient 12th-century workshop that showcases the village’s ingenuity and productive tradition.

Events in the village

In Savignano Irpino, traditions and events enliven the village throughout the year. Savignanestate, from late July to August 15, features concerts, street performers, children’s shows, and art exhibitions. The Sagra delle Orecchiette, one of the oldest in Irpinia, celebrates handmade orecchiette served with ragù or in a modern tricolor version. The Feast of Saint Anne, dating back to the 17th century, begins on July 25 with dancing along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, continues on the 26th with a penitential procession at 5 a.m. and a solemn mass, and concludes on the 27th with concerts or comedy shows. The village also preserves typical dishes such as cicatielli e fagiolini, laganiell e fasul, the Savignanese breakfast, pork offal soup, and ciambott, making the local culinary tradition truly unforgettable.

photo credits  Wirestock Creators