In fact, the area is sometimes known as the Switzerland of the South. Despite being only half an hour from the likes of Capri, Sorrento and Ischia, the interland has more in common with deepest Umbria than the blue Mediterranean coast and red and green pizzas.

This hilly zone of hazel and chestnut woods contains some spectacular scenery and, in winter, it offers a snowy and friendly welcome. You can even ski here from January to March.

The local food dishes are pasta combinations of mushrooms, cheese, pork meat sausages, hams and truffles. All should be consumed with the one of the three main wines from the area: Fiano, Greco di Tufo or Taurasi followed by one of the herb liqueurs made by the Benedictine monks of Montevergine.

The city of Avellino takes its name from the ruins of the Samnite-Roman city of Abellinum whose remains are near present day Atripalda about 3km from the modern city.

The Romans got there following the end of the Punic wars and the city was actually founded by a group of veteran soldiers.

Its strategic position was important as it was given natural protection by the Patenio and Picentini mountains and was also at one end of the Valle del Sabato.

The town is a patchwork of bygone eras and contains a Lombard castle, a 12th century Romanesque cathedral, an obelisk dedicated to Charles II of Hapsburg and a restored medieval customs houses.

Interestingly, the inhabitants of Avellino were some of the first to be attracted by the liberal movements of the early 19th century which eventaully led to the Unification of Italy.

It was from Avellino that rebel troops moved on Naples to force King Ferdinand I to recognise the Constitution. Bear this in mind when you visit the Bourbon Prison in Corso Vittorio Emanuele. It was constructed in 1824 on the orders of Ferdinand himself and was signed according to the latest penal theories of the time coming from England.

To put all this into place do visit the Museo Provinciale Irpino on Corso Europa in Avellino.