Ariano Irpino is the largest municipality in Campania; due to its position, on three hills, it is also known as the city of "Tricolle".
It is an important touristic center, thanks to its panoramic position, located on the convergence of the Cervaro and Ufita rivers.
The first settlements date back to 7000 b.C.: the Samnites (an autochthonous population) founded here the Aequum Tuticum (large plain) where justice was usually administered. Subsequently, thanks to the Romans, Ariano irpino became an important road junction. Conquered by the Normans, who devastated and sacked all the territory, it was rebuilt by Charles I D'Anjou in 1266: according to the tradition, he also gave the city two thorns from Christ's thorn crown, still preserved in the Romanesque Cathedral of the X century.