Melfi

Historic City of Vulture

In the heart of Basilicata, from the top of a hill overlooking the Ofanto valley, a short distance from Mount Vulture, stands the characteristic town of Melfi.

The historic center, surrounded by a wall of the Norman era, rebuilt in the Aragonese age, is known to most for the imposing castle, now home to the National Archaeological Museum. The building has a polygonal shape, is flanked by 8 towers and a defensive moat: all this is the result of numerous renovations over time, especially under Frederick II first and the Angevins then. On the first floor of the castle you can admire geometric ceramics and bronze armor, while in the clock tower the marble sarcophagus dating back to the 2nd century BC.

If you move just outside the town, along the road to Rapolla, you will come across the rocky church of Santa Margherita, of great impact, because it is dug in the tuff and rich in medieval frescoes of Byzantine and Catalan origin. Do not miss the rock church of Santa Lucia, which in its barrel-turned roof, preserves a cycle of Byzantine frescoes.

Visit Melfi on the last weekend of October, to participate in the evocative Historical Parade, among medieval dances and music.