Carpignano Avellino
| Carpignano | |
|---|---|
| Frazione | |
  Carpignano Location of Carpignano in Italy | |
| Coordinates: 40°56′N 15°11′E / 40.933°N 15.183°ECoordinates: 40°56′N 15°11′E / 40.933°N 15.183°E | |
| Country |
 Italy |
| Region | Campania |
| Province | Avellino (AV) |
| Comune | Grottaminarda |
| Elevation | 650 m (2,130 ft) |
| Population (February 2007) | |
| • Total | 1,000 |
| Demonym(s) | Carpignanesi/"I Mast" |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | 83035 |
| Dialing code | 0825 |
| Website | Official website |
Carpignano is a small town in Campania, Italy. Actually a portion of Grottaminarda, it borders Gesualdo to the South.
History
Legend holds that Carpignano was once a thick forest where a portrait of a black Madonna hung on a tree. Neighboring farmers, who had stumbled across the portrait, tried to take the portrait back to their city several times, yet during the night, somehow, the portrait returned to the tree. Thus, the portrait was kept in that spot, upon which a grand sanctuary was built, called the Santuario Di Carpignano. The portrait is adorned on the main wall in the church to this day.
Carpignano's original name is actually Crispignanus, which refers to native trees called "crisp" or "carp" (in the local dialect) which have now gone extinct in the area. Some village elders still use this term; however, it is now becoming obsolete.
Census
The population is very small; one bar and two restaurants are found in the town.
Main Sights
While Carpignano doesn't offer tourist sights and attractions, it maintains its own natural, countryside beauty. Several Agriturismi, or home-styled restaurants (with option for overnight stay), are found in the town, as well as a few regular restaurants. There are also pools along with sporting fields scattered throughout the outskirts.
Main landmarks include the Santuario Di Carpignano and Zia Elisa International and Company.
Feast Day
Like all other towns in the area, Carpignano has a 3-4 day feast, usually in first-week September. The feast usually culminates with the performance of a singer or talented artist on the last day of the feast.
Fun Fact
It is rumored that Carpignanesi seek their independence from Grottaminarda, the mother town. This gesture is quite normal, since many towns in the area are not large in population.