Loop trail through the most striking scenery of the Vulture - Melfese area
It starts from Melfi railway station, perched on a hill and surrounded by Mount Vulture in the province of Potenza. Here, you can admire the famous Melfi Castle, an iconic, imposing mediaeval structure that stands as a symbol of the city. Downshift and prepare to ascend through fields of wheat and centuries-old olive groves; after a few kilometres, you will come to the Monticchio Lakes, two bodies of water reflecting the splendid Benedictine Abbey of San Michele, home to the Vulture Natural History Museum.
Straight ahead, after about 10 km downhill, you will reach Rionero and, passing through the old town centre, you will find yourself on the way back to Melfi. The descent to Atella passes farmhouses and wheat fields, then across the valley to Lagopesole Castle, once a hunting lodge for Frederick II. Today it houses a multimedia museum dedicated to the history of the Swabian emperor.
Through Barile and the village of wineries
The route becomes more and more interesting continuing towards Barile, colonised by Illyrian refugees in 1518, and becoming one of the largest islands of Arbëreshë culture in Basilicata. In fact, it was the Albanians who introduced the Aglianico grape variety and the custom of digging cellars in the tufa rock; testimony to this tradition is the Cantine di Barile urban park, carved into the tufa caves of “Sheshë” Hill.
Before returning to Melfi, we recommend a visit to the rock church of Santa Margherita.
