The village of Volana, situated on Monte Miglio, was destroyed in 459 B.C.. by Spurio Carvillo, the Roman consul. The fortifications that are still evident speak of the Samnite presence at the foot of the aforementioned mountain. The name of this beautiful village is made up of the name of the former Benedictine cenoby (built around the 11th century A.D.) that was named after San Pietro, and, as mentioned, the ancient city of Volana. Located at the edge of the Tratturo Celano-Foggia, it was completely destroyed in the final phases of the Second World War. Although most of its buildings are newly built, San Pietro Avellana is a lovely place to visit, especially for its dense and luxuriant woods, including the Pineta (pine wood); it is also characterized by a rich and varied fauna, abundant springs and pure fresh air. For these reasons, San Pietro Avellana has been declared a Site of Community Interest (S.I.C.).
The “Pineta” is a forest that is covered in a variety of black pine. It extends to an area of 70 hectares, making it one of the largest in southern Italy.
San Pietro Avellana is part of the National Association of Truffle Towns that promotes special occasions dedicated to this precious tuber during the course of the year; on the second Sunday of August it is the turn of the summer truffle, and on the 1st November it’s the white truffle.
The Museum of Farming Civilization and Historical Costumes will be able to give you more information about the history of this magical place.
