Rionero in Vulture

Rionero in Vulture lies on the slopes of Mount Vulture, the extinct volcano that dominates northern Basilicata. Its territory includes the Monticchio lakes, two lakes formed in the volcano’s craters and surrounded by beech woods, with the abbey of San Michele overlooking the smaller lake.

It is one of the capitals of Aglianico del Vulture wine: cellars dug into the tuff and local wineries tell of an ancient tradition. The village was the birthplace of the southern Italian statesman Giustino Fortunato, whose family palace can be visited, and of the brigand Carmine Crocco.

Melfi, Barile, Rapolla and Atella are all close by.