Taurano
Taurano: a hilltop jewel in Campania
If you're looking for a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life, the Municipality of Taurano in the province of Avellino is the perfect place for you. With a population of just 1,475 people, the hilltop center of Taurano is nestled on the slope of Mount Pietra Maula, overlooking a breathtaking landscape that offers stunning views of the Campanian hills and the city of Naples all the way to the sea.
Physical geography
The municipal territory extends over an altitude between 225 and 948 meters above sea level. The landscape is characterized by oak forests, olive groves, hazelnut groves, and oligomineral springs, making it suitable for excursions and walks in the surrounding nature.
History
The name Taurano probably derives from the gentilic Taurius or from the surname Taurus and is an ancient Sannite oppidum destroyed by Lucio Cornelio Silla during the social war. Bronze Age artifacts have been found in the territory of Taurano. During the Roman period, Taurano became a holiday resort, as evidenced by the two villas partially unearthed in the locality of Torre and San Giovanni del Palco.
During the barbarian invasions, the mountainous territory north of the settlement was a refuge for the populations of the entire valley. In the Middle Ages, Taurano was part of the feud of Lauro. After being included in the Terra del Lavoro province during the Murat administration, the municipality became autonomous and part of the province of Avellino in the post-unitary period.
Monuments and places of interest
Although Taurano is a small municipality, it offers great treasures in the form of historical and environmental monuments. The Church of the Rosary, built at the end of the 16th century, features beautiful paintings, including one by Mozzillo, as well as a wooden ceiling made by the famous craftsman P. Vecchione.
The Abbey of Sant'Angelo, located on a spur of bare limestone rock overlooking the town of Lauro, dates back to 1087 and belonged to the Benedictines. The church portal is characterized by the presence of masks and rosettes, some of which were removed by unknown persons.
The non-urbanized territory
The municipal territory of Taurano is made up of a hazelnut grove (65%), a coppice (24%), a thicket (5%), an olive grove (2%), and a vineyard (0.5%). This makes Taurano an excellent destination for nature lovers, especially those who enjoy walking, running, or cycling.
Discovering Taurano
Taurano is a place worth visiting, both for the beauty of its landscape and its history. If you're fortunate enough to visit this small municipality, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Abbey of Sant'Angelo and the Church of the Rosary, two of its greatest treasures. Additionally, a walk through the surrounding hills will offer you enchanting panoramas of the territory.
If you're looking for an authentic experience of life in a small Italian town, Taurano is the right place. Enjoy the beauty of the place and immerse yourself in local culture through its history and treasures.
