Summonte
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Latest page update: 19 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Summonte
Accommodation in Summonte is mostly limited to B&Bs and rural agriturismi, reflecting the village’s small size and hillside setting. For established hotels, the wider Province of Avellino provides stronger choices in nearby towns.
In Avellino, Viva Hotel offers a central location with modern rooms, on-site dining and consistently positive guest feedback (€€). Also in Avellino, Hotel De La Ville is a larger property with extensive facilities including event spaces, a restaurant and comfortable rooms, appreciated for both business and leisure stays (€€€). In Grottaminarda, Hotel Regina di Saba provides a reliable option with contemporary interiors, a restaurant and good reviews for comfort and service (€€).
In Avellino, Viva Hotel offers a central location with modern rooms, on-site dining and consistently positive guest feedback (€€). Also in Avellino, Hotel De La Ville is a larger property with extensive facilities including event spaces, a restaurant and comfortable rooms, appreciated for both business and leisure stays (€€€). In Grottaminarda, Hotel Regina di Saba provides a reliable option with contemporary interiors, a restaurant and good reviews for comfort and service (€€).
Where is
Where is Summonte?
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The comune of Summonte is situated within the Avellino Province in the southern Italian region of Campania. It has a population of 1,507 inhabitants and is listed among the Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages).
Standing at an elevation of 730 metres, Summonte's most famous sight is the Torre Angioino medieval castle complex. |
Comune di Summonte
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Province: Avellino
Region: Campania Population: 1,493 (in 2024 - source) Size: 12 km² Elevation: 730 metres Close by: Avellino, Montesarchio, Sant'Agata de' Goti, Benevento Recommended accommodation: Viva Hotel Avellino (7 km) |
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: Un Angola Segreto di Campania (A Secret Corner of Campania)
Listing headline: Un Angola Segreto di Campania (A Secret Corner of Campania)
What People Ask About Summonte, Campania
Is Summonte worth visiting?
Yes, Summonte is worth visiting for its medieval tower, stone alleys, and location overlooking the Avellino valley. It is part of the Borghi più belli d’Italia and combines history with scenic views of the Partenio mountains.
How do I get to Summonte?
Summonte is around 10 km from Avellino and about 60 km east of Naples. It is best reached by car via the A16 motorway, exiting at Avellino Ovest. From Avellino, buses and taxis connect to Summonte in a short ride.
What are the main attractions in Summonte?
Attractions include the medieval watchtower of the Norman castle, the old quarter with narrow cobbled streets, and panoramic walks in the Partenio Regional Park. The town also has historic churches such as San Nicola di Bari.
When is the best time to visit Summonte?
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, with mild temperatures and clear views from the tower. Summer offers cultural events and concerts, while winter is quieter but often chilly due to the elevation.
How long should I stay in Summonte?
A half-day visit is enough to see the medieval tower and historic streets. Staying longer is worthwhile if you plan to use Summonte as a base for walks in the Partenio mountains or to visit Avellino and nearby villages.
Related links
Discover
Discover Summonte
Summonte is a mountain village in the province of Avellino, set on the slopes of the Partenio Mountains within the Regional Park of Monti del Partenio. Surrounded by forests and rocky peaks, it offers wide views across the Irpinia valleys and the plains beyond. The village retains a compact medieval layout, with steep stone streets and buildings that blend naturally into the surrounding landscape, giving it a distinctly mountain character within inland Campania.
Overlooking the settlement is the Norman Tower, a restored fortress that forms part of the ancient defensive system and now serves as a viewpoint and exhibition space. The Church of San Nicola di Bari, with its bell tower and artworks, is another key feature of the historic centre. Summonte is recognised among Italy’s Borghi più belli d’Italia (Most Beautiful Villages), valued for its preservation and scenic setting. Its location near Ospedaletto d’Alpinolo, Mercogliano, and Montevergine places it at the gateway to the upland forests and religious heritage sites of the Partenio area.
Overlooking the settlement is the Norman Tower, a restored fortress that forms part of the ancient defensive system and now serves as a viewpoint and exhibition space. The Church of San Nicola di Bari, with its bell tower and artworks, is another key feature of the historic centre. Summonte is recognised among Italy’s Borghi più belli d’Italia (Most Beautiful Villages), valued for its preservation and scenic setting. Its location near Ospedaletto d’Alpinolo, Mercogliano, and Montevergine places it at the gateway to the upland forests and religious heritage sites of the Partenio area.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Summonte
- Centro Storico di Summonte clings to the slopes of the Partenio mountains, its streets winding among stone houses, medieval arches, and narrow lanes shaded by ancient walls. The village radiates highland charm, with sudden views across wooded valleys and distant peaks. Small piazzas reveal carved fountains and quiet corners. Walking here offers a journey into a place where mountain air and centuries of history converge.
- Torre Angioina rises proudly above Summonte, a medieval tower built by the Angevins to guard the mountain passes. Its stone ramparts and high perch offer panoramic views stretching over the Partenio park. Inside, exhibitions trace the tower’s strategic role and local heritage. It stands as Summonte’s most commanding symbol of medieval strength.
- Chiesa Madre di San Nicola di Bari stands serenely in the heart of the village, its simple stone façade concealing elegant treasures within. Inside are baroque altars, sacred images, and finely worked wooden furnishings. The church has long shaped Summonte’s spiritual and social identity. It remains a place of devotion and community pride.
- Piazza De Vito serves as Summonte’s social hub, edged by historic buildings, cosy cafés, and shops offering local products from the Partenio hills. The square hosts festivals, music events, and relaxed gatherings under crisp mountain skies. Cobblestones and tower views create a picturesque atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to savour daily life and village customs in Summonte.
- Guided historical and nature tours in Summonte take visitors through medieval streets, noble buildings, and forest trails winding through the Parco Regionale del Partenio. Local guides share stories of ancient fortresses, traditional crafts, and legends tied to the mountains. Tours often include tastings of mountain honey, cheeses, and Irpinian wines. Exploring reveals Summonte’s harmony of historical heritage, natural beauty, and warm local life.
Tours and Activities
Summonte Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Summonte Photo Gallery
Campania Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Campania
1. Ischia
2. Capri
3. Sorrento
4. Positano
5. Amalfi
6. Pompeii
7. Ravello
8. Naples
9. Royal Palace of Caserta
10. Paestum
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Campania
1. Ischia
2. Capri
3. Sorrento
4. Positano
5. Amalfi
6. Pompeii
7. Ravello
8. Naples
9. Royal Palace of Caserta
10. Paestum
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Campania
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Summonte
By Rail: Summonte does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Avellino, about 10 kilometres away, on the Benevento–Cancello line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect Avellino to Benevento in around 40 minutes and to Naples in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From the station, Summonte can be reached by local bus or taxi, with the journey taking around 20 minutes through the Monti Picentini foothills.
By Road: Summonte lies in the Irpinia area of Avellino province, around 10 kilometres west of Avellino and 55 kilometres east of Naples. The drive from Avellino takes about 15 minutes via the SP165, while from Naples it’s roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes via the A16 motorway. The approach to Summonte is via winding hillside roads, and parking is available at the entrance to the historic centre and near the main viewpoints.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Summonte lies in the Irpinia area of Avellino province, around 10 kilometres west of Avellino and 55 kilometres east of Naples. The drive from Avellino takes about 15 minutes via the SP165, while from Naples it’s roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes via the A16 motorway. The approach to Summonte is via winding hillside roads, and parking is available at the entrance to the historic centre and near the main viewpoints.
Nearest International Airports:
- Naples–Capodichino International Airport: Located about 65 kilometres west of Summonte, with a drive of around 1 hour and 10 minutes via the A16 motorway. This is the most convenient airport, offering extensive domestic and international flight options.
- Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Approximately 160 kilometres east, taking about 2 hours and 20 minutes by car via the A16 motorway. It provides a broad range of national and European connections.
- Salerno–Costa d’Amalfi Airport: Situated roughly 60 kilometres southwest, with a journey time of around 1 hour via the RA2 and SS7 roads. It mainly handles regional and seasonal flights.
Private Transfers
Summonte Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and flexible way to travel to or from Summonte, offering a direct journey without the need to manage public transport or drive yourself. You’ll be met by a professional local driver and taken straight to your destination in comfort.
Both Naples International Airport and Salerno – Costa d’Amalfi Airport are accessible by road, making private transfers a convenient option for arrivals and departures. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Avellino, Mercogliano, and Ospedaletto d’Alpinolo, or to other towns and scenic areas across the Irpinia region.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Both Naples International Airport and Salerno – Costa d’Amalfi Airport are accessible by road, making private transfers a convenient option for arrivals and departures. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Avellino, Mercogliano, and Ospedaletto d’Alpinolo, or to other towns and scenic areas across the Irpinia region.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

