Attractions and Places To See around Rapone - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Rapone are located in Basilicata, Italy, a region characterized by its mountainous terrain and proximity to Mount Vulture. Rapone is known as the "Village of Fairy Tales," integrating folklore and history into its local identity. The area offers a blend of natural beauty, including volcanic lakes and waterfalls, alongside cultural sites and unique themed attractions. Visitors can explore ancient boroughs and landscapes shaped by an extinct volcano.
Best attractions and places to see…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Monticchio Lakes
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Lovers' Waterfall
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Vertone Waterfall
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Angelo Gabriele Giorgio Cultural Center (Former Malanga and Clemente Brickworks)
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Church of Maria Santissima Incoronata
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The first signs of this church date back to 1760, as shown by a notarial deed conserved in the state archives of Avellino (see Notarial deeds, file 2323). On 10 August of that year, "Mr. Doctor Potito Cianci" donated a part of his fund (four bushels) in the place called Piano di Campo for the construction of a chapel dedicated to "Maria Santissima Incoronata" On the majestic carved stone portal, the date 1767 confirms that the construction of the church was completed on that date. Inside we can admire a sober altar in local red stone located at the end of the presbytery and a second stone altar, donated by Archbishop Lupoli in the 1900s, located along the single wide nave of the church. In this century the church underwent a further restoration due to the interest of the priest Bellini, as evidenced by an inscription on the side door of the same (year 1916) Sources: [1] The recovery of the historic center of Sant'Andrea di Conza, Superintendency of the B.A.A.A.S. of Salerno and Avellino and municipal administration of S. Andrea di Conza, year 1989
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The Malanga and Clemente furnace, located in via Monacacchio, has been in business since 1920. The building covers an area of around 1400 square meters and at full capacity it produced around 4000 pieces every year, mainly roof tiles and perforated bricks. In operation until 1982 it was equipped with a Hoffman oven (https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forno_Hoffmann) buried with a chimney and used manual technologies that have now become rare. At the beginning of the 90s of the last century, a consolidation and recovery project transformed the furnace into a multifunctional center for cultural, recreational and social gathering activities.
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Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo lie, at about 650 meters above sea level, on the crater of Monte Vulture, an extinct volcano. Their greenish waters, separated by a thin line of land, are surrounded by lush forests of beech and oak.
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A beautiful waterfall that can be reached with a simple walk, a perfect place to spend time with your sweetheart, it is no coincidence that it is called the "Lovers' waterfall".
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Beautiful waterfall immersed in a wild environment and easily reachable with a simple walk.
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These beautiful lakes are located at the foot of the now extinct Vulture volcano. The beauty of this place has earned it the nickname of "Switzerland of Basilicata". The lakes are located within the Vulture Regional Nature Reserve.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Rapone?
Rapone is surrounded by beautiful natural features. You can visit the scenic Monticchio Lakes, nestled at the foot of the extinct Mount Vulture, often called the 'Switzerland of Basilicata'. The area also boasts charming waterfalls like Lovers' Waterfall and Vertone Waterfall, both easily accessible with a simple walk.
Are there family-friendly activities and attractions in Rapone?
Absolutely! Rapone is known as the 'Village of Fairy Tales' (Paese delle Fiabe), offering a magical experience for families. You can follow the Fairy Tales Itinerary through the town, explore 'The Princesses' Path' for a car-free walk or bike ride, or make a wish at 'The Wishing Dandelion'. The Villa Comunale also has a playground, and for more active fun, the Rapone Adventure Park offers tree climbing and rope bridges. The Monticchio Lakes are also a great family-friendly destination.
What historical and cultural sites can I visit in Rapone?
The Rapone Historical Center is a must-see, with its ancient alleyways, churches, and palaces offering a glimpse into the past. You can also explore the Angelo Gabriele Giorgio Cultural Center, a former brickworks transformed into a multi-functional cultural hub. The Church of San Vito Martyr in the historical center is also notable for its rich history.
What outdoor activities, like cycling or mountain biking, are available near Rapone?
The area around Rapone offers various routes for outdoor enthusiasts. For road cycling, you can find challenging routes like the 'Barile – Monticchio Lakes loop' or the 'San Fele and its waterfalls – Monte Carruozzo Pass loop'. Mountain bikers can explore trails such as the 'Lago Grande di Monticchio – Abbey of San Ippolito loop'. You can find more details and routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Rapone, Cycling around Rapone, and MTB Trails around Rapone guide pages.
What makes the Monticchio Lakes a special place to visit?
The Monticchio Lakes are unique as they are two volcanic lakes, Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo, resting in the crater of the extinct Mount Vulture at about 650 meters above sea level. Their greenish waters are surrounded by lush forests, earning them the nickname 'Switzerland of Basilicata'. They are part of the Vulture Regional Nature Reserve and offer beautiful scenery and a tranquil setting.
Are there any unique festivals or events in Rapone?
Rapone hosts several distinctive events throughout the year. The 'Rapone Fairy Tale Festival' in August transforms the town into an open-air stage with storytelling and performances. In June, the 'Feast of San Vito & Blessing of the Bread' honors the patron saint. Food lovers will enjoy the 'Soppressata and Caciocavallo Festival' in August. For sports enthusiasts, the 'Fairy Tale Ultramarathon' takes place in September, and during December, the 'Winter Fairy Tale Festival / Tales of Light' creates an enchanted atmosphere.
What is the 'Village of Fairy Tales' project in Rapone?
The 'Village of Fairy Tales' (Paese delle Fiabe) is a unique project where Rapone fully embraces its identity by featuring a magical journey through the town. Visitors can encounter characters from local folklore and fairy tales, including goblins, witches, and werewolves, immersing themselves in a world of legends and stories. This initiative makes Rapone a distinctive and enchanting destination for all ages.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Rapone?
Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. The Monticchio Lakes are highly praised for their scenic views and peaceful atmosphere. The waterfalls, like Lovers' Waterfall and Vertone Waterfall, are enjoyed for their accessibility and wild surroundings. The blend of natural landscapes with the unique fairy tale theme of Rapone creates a memorable experience for many.
Can I find viewpoints with panoramic scenery near Rapone?
Yes, the region around Rapone offers several scenic viewpoints. The Piazza XX Settembre in the historical center of Rapone provides a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area. Additionally, the Monticchio Lakes, situated in the crater of Mount Vulture, offer stunning vistas of the lakes and lush forests, making them excellent spots for scenic appreciation.
What is the best time of year to visit Rapone for its attractions and events?
Rapone offers attractions year-round, but the summer months, particularly August, are vibrant with festivals like the 'Rapone Fairy Tale Festival' and the 'Soppressata and Caciocavallo Festival'. Early September is great for the 'Fairy Tale Ultramarathon'. For those seeking a magical winter experience, December features the 'Winter Fairy Tale Festival / Tales of Light'. Spring and early autumn are ideal for exploring natural sites like the Monticchio Lakes and waterfalls, with pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
Are there any specific walking paths or trails for exploring the fairy tale theme?
Yes, Rapone features dedicated paths to immerse visitors in its fairy tale theme. 'The Princesses' Path' is a safe and peaceful route, free from cars, spanning over 700 meters along the southern edge of the village. It allows visitors to discover 'Stories of Courage and Kindness' and encounter beloved fairy tale characters, making it ideal for walking or biking while enjoying the unique folklore of Rapone.
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