Melfi

Melfi is a municipality in the province of Potenza, in the Italian region of Basilicata. In Melfi vines are grown for the red wine Aglianico del Vulture.

• 6.1 personalities born in Melfi

Location and data

Melfi is situated 51 kilometers north of Potenza in the Vulture area. The town has 17,547 inhabitants (as of December 31, 2012).

The neighboring municipalities are Aquilonia (AV), Ascoli Satriano (FG), Candela (FG), Lacedonia (AV), Lavello, Monteverde (AV), Rapolla, Rionero in Vulture and Rocchetta Sant'Antonio (FG).

From Melfi a railway line leads to Potenza and Foggia. The journey time to Potenza is one hour eleven minutes long to Foggia one hour.

History

Melfi was founded at the foot of Mount Vulture at the river Melpes. The exact founding year is unknown. From the 8th and 9th centuries remains have been found of settlements. At the time of the Lombards Melfi was attached. The town developed into an important trading center. 1037 was Melfi bishopric in 1041 the center of Apulia and Calabria. 1059 was convened by Pope Nicholas II, the Council of Melfi.

Melfi continued to grow and the city received a new city wall with five gates. In the city churches were built, the cathedral in the 11th century.

Emperor Frederick II made Melfi his summer residence in the city in 1231 and issued the Constitutions of Melfi, a collection of laws.

In the 19th century the site was redeveloped. 1930, an earthquake destroyed Melfi.

Attractions

Melfi is rich in buildings from all periods of history since Roman times.

Norman- Hohenstaufen Castle

Already at the Norman period was a predecessor castle here. At the request of Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, the fortifications were extended. During the Angevin rule, the castle was rebuilt. In the rooms of the castle, a branch of the National Archaeological Museum is housed.

Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

When the cathedral was built, is unclear. Either it was founded by Robert Guiscard, Duke of Apulia and Calabria, built from 1073 to 1076 or by William I in 1155. The Campanile dates from the year 1150 or 1153 and is 49 meters high. One immured in the base inscription can be found in the year 1150. 1472 the transept was built in 1526 created the inner archways. In 1694 the cathedral was partially destroyed and rebuilt in Baroque style.

Inside, a choir is obtained from the year 1557. The organ and the pulpit from the 18th century.

Other churches and monasteries

The church and the monastery of St. Anthony was founded in 1222. The monastery of the Capuchins was built in 1528. Outside Melfi is the rock church of the Madonna delle spinels. The church is completely carved in the rock. In the rock church of Santa Margherita, she is on the way to Rapolla, frescoes can be seen.

Religion

Melfi is the seat of the Diocese of Melfi - Rapolla - Venosa.

Economy

Melfi is the site of a great work of the automobile manufacturer Fiat. There, the Fiat Grande Punto is produced.

Personalities

In Melfi born personalities

• Francesco Saverio Nitti (1868-1953), economist and politician
• Pasquale Festa Campanile (1927-1986), film director, screenwriter and writer.