Rocca San Felice, historic centre

The municipality of Rocca San Felice lies in the Ansanto valley, at the source of the small River Fredane, a tributary of the Calore; it stands at an altitude of 750 metres and has 850 inhabitants. Its castle, built in the 12th century incorporating earlier defensive structures, can be seen from afar.

The old village, carefully restored after the 1980 earthquake, is certainly worth a visit. In the small square at its entrance stands the ancient 'Tree of Liberty', planted by the French in the early 19th century in the wake of the French Revolution, with a fine octagonal bench of local stone at its base. From here, walk up to the Castle at the top of the rock, which offers a lovely view over the Fredane valley. Don't miss the small but fascinating Museo Civico 'Don Nicola Gambino', which displays finds from prehistory to the Middle Ages, including the 'xoanon', an archaic wooden cult statue discovered at the sanctuary of the goddess Mefitis, a short distance from the village.