Cairano: Cellar Worlds, Church Art and Trekking

Cairano offers several different themes for a trip: the visitable Le Cantine Ipogee district, with more than 100 underground cellars; the architecture of the Chiesa di San Martino Vescovo; archaeological traces on Collina del Calvario; and activities ranging from trekking to events. Rather than offering just one way to explore, building history, underground spaces and outdoor activity stand side by side as different ways of discovering the area. This makes it easier to choose the focus of your trip according to your interests.

Le Cantine Ipogee: History Underground

Le Cantine Ipogee comprises more than 100 underground cellars and forms a district in Cairano that visitors can explore. The number alone shows that this is more than a single cellar: together, the underground caves form a distinctive cultural heritage site.

The caves are of archaic origin and were used as cellars. This connection between their origins and their use offers a tangible way to approach the past: the spaces can be understood not only as underground formations but also through how they were used. Those who enjoy exploring history through tangible places rather than dates alone will find a clear starting point here.

Church Architecture with Distinctive Details

The Chiesa di San Martino Vescovo is Cairano’s mother church and is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. During its restoration, the original 18th-century floor plan in the shape of a Latin cross was reinstated. The floor plan draws attention to the form in which the church was laid out. A Latin cross describes a cross-shaped layout and makes an architectural term understandable through a real building.

Another detail that can be described precisely is the ancient marble portal with a newer door bearing six hand-hammered copper bas-relief panels. Here, different materials meet, along with a clearly specified number of relief panels. Together with the restored floor plan, these offer two different perspectives on the church: the structure of the building and the design of its portal.

Trekking, Festivals and Archaeological Traces

For a more active focus, the Sentiero naturalistico is worth exploring: this trekking trail was created by the CAI. During the Festa dell’Aria, Cairano hosts paragliding competitions. This means both a trekking route and a paragliding competition are possible themes to consider when planning your trip.

Another event in local tradition is the annual procession and village festival on the last Sunday in July. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the event date in advance. Excavations on Collina del Calvario have also revealed a settlement core and, alongside it, an archaic necropolis. These two findings add an archaeological dimension to the themes of the church and cellars.

Explore Cairano According to Your Interests

When planning your trip, you can explore Cairano through specific themes: the church, underground cellars and archaeological traces each lead to different aspects of the area’s history, while the trekking trail adds an active option. The Festa dell’Aria and the village festival offer further opportunities to connect your trip with an event. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, the mix of culture, activity and local traditions you want can be a useful starting point for your decision.

Discover more destinations: Caposele, Forino, Mirabella Eclano, Atripalda, Santa Lucia Di Serino, Castelfranci, Montella, Montefusco.

See the main travel overview: Avellino.