The town's name refers to the rock of Magmatic origins, very common in this area. Municipality in the province of Avellino, located on the right bank of the river Sabato, at the foot of Mount Gloria, not far from the provincial capital, the village of Tufo can be compared to a splash of color that stretches out in the dark green of the landscape, interrupting the monotony. The fertile soil, rich in sulfur, produces an aromatic white wine DOCG, very famous and appreciated: the Greco di Tufo. This vine variety was known and cultivated in Southern Italy before Rome was founded and only in this particular place finds the ideal factors for its growth.
The settlement developed gradually around a castle in the Lombard period; fief of the Count of Ariano, it was often subject to clashes for the domain and repeatedly submitted assaults. The area assumed increasing importance due to its dominant position, which allowed the control of a wide surrounding area. In the second half of the XIII century it was the scene of a historic clash between Swabian and Angevin. Till the XV century the town submitted the domain of the Sanniti, until it returned under the influence of Avellino. Granted to the Aragonese, in the XVIII century, the town was sold to a rich Venetian Count. In the second half of the XIX century, the discovery of a large quantity of sulfur gave way to mining activities, which continued until the 70s of the XX century.
Attractions:
- the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with the adjacent Oratory, which date back to the XVIII century. Damaged by the earthquake of 1980, it still preserves the façade and the bell towers;
- the Cave-Church of San Michele, located a short distance from the town, inside which is preserved an altar with a statue of San Michele Arcangelo;
- the Church of San Paolo in the homonymous district;
- the medieval Castle, which dominates the main centre and was built on request of Aione del Tufo. Of the original structure remain a large section of the walls and parts of the three watchtowers with a circular base;
- the sulfur mine discovered in 1886 and now abandoned. The galleries reach 300 meters deep;
- Palazzo Di Marzo, which is preceded by a stone staircase and enriched by a circular tower.