San Fele

The municipality of San Fele lies in Basilicata, at an altitude of 864 metres, and has around 2,600 inhabitants. Seen from above, the historic centre, winding its way between rocky outcrops, takes the shape of an 'X' dotted with terracotta roof tiles. San Fele is linked to St Justin de Jacobis, born here in 1800 and later a missionary in Africa. Visitors can see the Casa di San Giustino, the saint's birthplace, and join in the celebrations held every year on 30 July.

Strolling through the narrow streets, you come across the fortified Castle (10th century), a variety of small squares and fountains, churches and noble palazzi. Of particular interest is Palazzo Frascella, built from materials salvaged from buildings brought down by successive earthquakes and notable for its façade, which recreates the appearance of an old Romanesque church. At the heart of the town, on raised ground reached by a steep flight of steps, stands the mother church of Santa Maria della Quercia, built in 1514 from rubble left by the collapse of the castle and the town walls; its dome was completed in 1757.

The most important natural attraction is the San Fele Waterfalls, a series of cascades along a scenic tree-lined route of almost 8 km following the course of the stream that flows into the Fiumara di Atella and then into the Ofanto. The site, where visitors can bathe in the stream, is looked after and promoted by the association 'U Uattënniérë', and in just a few years it has become one of the most visited natural sites in Basilicata.

In the hamlet of Pierno, don't miss the Badia di Santa Maria di Pierno (the end point of Stage 9 of the Cammino).