Largely rebuilt after the shattering earthquake of 1980, modern-day Avellino won’t delay you long. The area’s main sight is 1000m above town, perched on the vertiginous summit of Monte Vergine (1493m) : the Santuario di Montevergine dates to the 12th century, when a young pilgrim, Guglielmo di Vercelli, built the first church here. Since then it’s undergone numerous facelifts, the last being in the mid-20th century. You can visit the abbey (admission free), and enjoy a small collection of archaeological finds, sculpture and painting in the sanctuary museum.
