Irpinia Express - Monteverde Stop

The historic train to Monteverde

Irpinia Express is the tourist train that runs along the historic Avellino-Rocchetta Sant'Antonio railway, covering 119 kilometers of tracks through viaducts, tunnels, and the valleys of the Campanian Apennines. Among the most beloved destinations on the calendar is Monteverde, a small town in the province of Avellino perched on the far eastern border of Irpinia, where the vintage train brings visitors for a day entirely dedicated to the village.

One of Italy's most beautiful villages

Monteverde has just over six hundred inhabitants and has been part of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy network since 2013. In 2019, it received the European Union's Access City Award as the most accessible village in Italy, a recognition that has made it a model of barrier-free hospitality. The town developed around an irregularly shaped Lombard-era castle with four circular corner towers: the first historical records date back to the 9th century, while its current appearance is from the Aragonese period.

What to visit

• The Castle, the heart of the village and a panoramic viewpoint over the Ofanto valley;
• The MIGRA, an interactive museum of grain and the role of women in peasant civilization, housed within the castle;
• The alleys of the historic center, explored during a guided walk with the Pro Loco and municipal administration;
• The landscape of Upper Irpinia, between the artificial Lake San Pietro and the hills marking the border with Puglia and Basilicata.

How the day works

In documented editions, the journey departs in the morning from Avellino station, with a stop in Lioni, reaching Calitri-Pescopagano station; from there, a shuttle takes travelers to Monteverde. The welcome is hosted by the Municipality and the Pro Loco, the afternoon is dedicated to the guided tour of the village, and the return to Avellino takes place by bus in the evening. Due to their configuration, the historic carriages cannot accommodate wheelchairs, although the village itself is fully accessible.

Flavors of Upper Irpinia

The stop in Monteverde is also a gastronomic opportunity: local restaurants and bars offer traditional peasant cuisine, from maccarunar cu r' frecul to porchetta sandwiches, accompanied by local wines. Those who prefer can bring a packed lunch and eat outdoors, taking advantage of the village's panoramic spots.

Why hop on board

Irpinia Express is more than just a train ride: it is a slow tourism project promoted by the Province of Avellino through Sistema Irpinia and the Fondazione FS Italiane, designed to bring life back to a long-forgotten line and showcase the villages of the Campanian hinterland. The Monteverde stop, one of the furthest on the route, best captures the charm of an authentic, quiet Irpinia still untouched by mass tourism. It has been repeated over several seasons, with dates typically scheduled between June and September.