The municipality is located at an altitude of between 690m and 710m and is crossed by the Tammarecchia stream, the watercourse that flows into the Tammaro river.
Of medieval origin, it is first mentioned in 1385. Moreover, not far from the town, in the Zenna area, stood the ancient Samnite city of Cenna. The term Cavoti derives from the French ‘Gavots’, indicating the inhabitants of Gap, a town in Provence, from which the largest colony seems to have come.
The territory was owned by the Gaetani and Cavaniglia families, who held it with the title of marquis until 1648. It then passed to the Caracciolos, who held it until the abandonment of feudalism in 1806. In 1861, it became part of the province of Benevento.
Today, San Marco dei Cavoti has about 3200 inhabitants and is one of the most famous centres of Valfortore. There are several industrial activities here, among which nougat production is very important.
The first handcrafted nougat factory was founded in 1891, subsequently several workshops were developed over the years. Different types of nougat were produced: chocolate, gianduja, coffee, lemon, orange, etc.
In addition to nougat production, the town focuses on agriculture (wheat, barley, corn, vines and olive groves), sheep and cattle breeding, energy production through the wind farm and tourism.