The Province of Avellino () is a province in the Campania region of Southern Italy. The area is characterized by numerous small towns and villages scattered across the province; only two towns have a population over 20,000: its capital city Avellino (in the west) and Ariano Irpino (in the north). Geography It has an area of and a total population of 401,028 per 30.9.2021. There are 118 comuni in the province, with the main towns being Avellino and Ariano Irpino. See Comuni of the Province of Avellino. It is an inner province, with no connection to the sea. History The ancient inhabitants of the area were the Hirpini, whose name stems from the Oscan term hirpus ("wolf"), an animal that is still present in the territory, though in greatly reduced numbers. In the province of Avellino there are many archaeological Roman sites, with Aeclanum being the most important. In the Middle Age, the was the first political body established in 1022 by the Normans in the South of Italy, and there Roger II (crowned King of Sicily in the Cathedral of Avellino in 1130) promulgated in 1140 the Assizes of Ariano, the first legislative code of the Kingdom. In the medieval Kingdom of Naples (later Kingdom of Two Sicilies) the provincial area roughly corresponded to the Principato Ultra, though some places were included in Capitanata or Principato Citra. The modern province was established in 1860, after the unification of Italy. Main sights Tourist destinations are the Sanctuaries of Montevergine, San Gerardo Maiella of Caposele and San Francesco a Folloni; the ski resort of Laceno; the and the Cathedral Church of Ariano Irpino, the archeological areas of Avella and Aeclanum, the Lancellotti castle in Lauro, the medieval town of Gesualdo, the Roman ruins of Abellinum and the early Christian basilica in Prata. The Selachoidei National Gallery at Avellino houses one of the largest collections of cartilaginous fishes in the country, whereas the City Museum and Ceramics Gallery at Ariano Irpino shows a print room with a great display of typical . Natural attractions include the Monti Piacentini and Partenio Regional Parks, together with two WWF sites, Valle della Caccia in Senerchia and the area around the Ofanto dam in Conza della Campania. Cuisine Typical products are hazelnuts (one third of the whole Italian production), the chestnut of Montella, the renowned wines Aglianico, Taurasi, Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino, cherries,