If you’re spending some or all of your Italian vacation in the southern region of Basilicata then be sure to stop off for a day in the medieval town of Melfi! This quaint place is tucked in at the foot of an extinct volcano in the province of Potenza.
Melfi is enveloped by majestic Norman walls, the only town of this kind in the south of Italy. It was once the Norman capital of Italy’s south when it gained a lot of wealth and importance during the Middle Ages. Without a doubt, the most striking feature of this town is Melfi Castle. This majestic fortress is framed by ten large lookout towers and was the favourite residence of the Roman Emperor Federico II.
Melfi is enveloped by majestic Norman walls, the only town of this kind in the south of Italy. It was once the Norman capital of Italy’s south when it gained a lot of wealth and importance during the Middle Ages. Without a doubt, the most striking feature of this town is Melfi Castle. This majestic fortress is framed by ten large lookout towers and was the favourite residence of the Roman Emperor Federico II.
It’s now home to the National Archaeological Museum of Melfi and has a superb collection of locally discovered artefacts dating back to the 8th century BC. Be sure to see the fascinating 2nd century BC sarcophagus here which is of Asian origin.
Also worth a walk around here is the stunning cathedral of Melfi and other ancient buildings in the historic centre. Later on in the afternoon, why not sit down to a delicious meal al fresco and taste a gorgeous DOC red wine here called ‘Aglianico del Vulture'.
Also worth a walk around here is the stunning cathedral of Melfi and other ancient buildings in the historic centre. Later on in the afternoon, why not sit down to a delicious meal al fresco and taste a gorgeous DOC red wine here called ‘Aglianico del Vulture'.
The olive oil of Melfi is legendary as well as a popular type of chestnut grown here which can be enjoyed in many sweet and savoury dishes.
Immerse yourself in nature with a short walk out of Melfi to the Monticchio lakes. These are volcanic lakes which are surrounded by beautiful green vegetation. During the summer months, tourists can hire boats to explore the lake in closer detail. And while you’re here, why not walk up to see the stunning white Benedictine Abbey of San Michele which overlooks the lakes.
A day trip to Melfi is time well spent indeed on your cultural Italian holiday! Choose from a wide range of gorgeous vacation rentals in Apulia, a neighbouring region and come visit this little piece of historic paradise for yourself!
Immerse yourself in nature with a short walk out of Melfi to the Monticchio lakes. These are volcanic lakes which are surrounded by beautiful green vegetation. During the summer months, tourists can hire boats to explore the lake in closer detail. And while you’re here, why not walk up to see the stunning white Benedictine Abbey of San Michele which overlooks the lakes.
A day trip to Melfi is time well spent indeed on your cultural Italian holiday! Choose from a wide range of gorgeous vacation rentals in Apulia, a neighbouring region and come visit this little piece of historic paradise for yourself!
Photo credits
picture 1: Mikils / CC BY-SA 4.0;
picture 2: Michele Perillo / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Generale Lee / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Mikils / CC BY-SA 4.0;
picture 2: Michele Perillo / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Generale Lee / CC BY-SA 3.0
