Vulture-Melfese

Vulture is an extinct volcano dominating northern Basilicata. Its craters hold the two Monticchio lakes, surrounded by woods, with the abbey of San Michele clinging to the rock. On its slopes grow the vines of Aglianico del Vulture and spring the mineral waters known all over Italy.

Melfi has the Norman castle where Frederick II issued the Constitutions of Melfi, now home to the archaeological museum. Venosa, birthplace of the poet Horace, has its archaeological park, the unfinished church of the Santissima Trinità and the Aragonese castle. Rionero, Barile and Rapolla have wine cellars dug into the tuff, Barile, Ginestra and Maschito their Arbëreshë communities, Ripacandida the frescoed sanctuary of San Donato, San Fele its waterfalls. Lavello, Atella, Montemilone, Rapone and Ruvo del Monte complete the area.

It is a destination for food lovers, history and nature, especially beautiful in autumn at harvest time.