In the heart of Campania, in the province of Avellino, there is the charming municipality of Taurasi, surrounded by an enchanting landscape of green hills and vineyards.Taurasi is famous for the wine of the same name and for the DOP extra virgin olive oil "Irpinia - Colline dell’Ufita. During the harvest season the landscape transforms into a sea of colors with bunches of grapes ready for harvesting and, especially in that period, there is nothing better than walking through the vineyards and enjoying a picnic overlooking the hills. In the historic center of Turasi, in addition to the narrow streets, squares and churches, we find the Castello Marchionale, also known as "Palazzo Marchionale", an imposing structure that tells stories of past dominion and nobility.
The construction of the castle dates back to the 7th century AD. in the period of domination by the Lombards, a people of Germanic origin. Over the centuries the Castle of Taurasi was first destroyed by the Saracens, people of Arab origin, and then rebuilt and enlarged by the Normans who came from northern Europe.The ownership of the Marchionale castle has belonged to various noble families over time. Among the rooms of famous people of the time, the Gabriele D’Isola room stands out, also known as the "Prince’s Room", where the great composer Carlo Gesualdo lived, whose personal story is both terrible and fascinating.
You should know that Carlo Gesualdo was one of the most famous Italian composers and his madrigals, short musical compositions with poetic or literary texts, are unique in the history of music and are still appreciated for their originality. A man with a dark and fascinating personality, in 1590 Carlo Gesualdo discovered his wife Maria D’Avalos, a beautiful woman from an important noble family, in flagrant adultery with her lover Fabrizio Carafa and killed them both.The manner of the killing is still debated today, but this violent and terrible episode has created a true legend around Carlo Gesualdo, who has been defined in the history of music as the murderous composer.Today the Marchionale Castle is owned by the Municipality of Taurasi, and hosts the headquarters of the Regional Enoteca for Irpinia Wines. On the lower floor, where the stables were located, the "Tau Sensory Path" was set up, which guides the visitor to discover the Taurasi, Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo wines.
HOW THE FOOD AND WINE EXPERIENCE TAKES PLACE IN TAURASI
Departure from Naples around 08.30 - 09.00, with minivan and private driver.
If time permits, we will stop in Mirabella Eclano, a municipality a short distance from Taurasi, to visit the Aeclanum Archaeological Park. From there in a few minutes we will arrive in Taurasi and, after a short stop for a coffee, we will take a walk through the historic center of the town and visit the Marchionale Castle.
Since 2006, the castle has been home to the Regional Enoteca for the Wines of Irpinia and, upon reservation, it is possible to participate in the "Tau Sensory Path", through which you will discover the Taurasi DOCG, Fiano di Avellino DOCG and Greco di Tufo DOCG wines.
Once the visit to the Castle is over, you can choose whether to have a meal prepared especially for you in a room of the castle or, if time permits, take a walk with a picnic in a vineyard. We will then pay a visit to the Caggiano Cellars, a fascinating environment with arches and vaulted attics, where you can have a tasting of some great Taurasi wines. Once the Taurasi food and wine experience is over, which you will surely find rewarding and engaging, you will return to Naples.
