San Fele: a village among waterfalls, saints and paths

At an altitude of 872 metres, between the Castello and Torretta mountains, San Fele is located in a position that strongly characterises its urban layout and the surrounding landscape, marked by the widespread presence of springs and watercourses that feed a system of waterfalls that is one of the most important in Basilicata. The village, which is also known for being the birthplace of San Giustino de Jacobis (a mystic venerated as the 'Protector of Lucanians around the world' and to whom the celebrations of 30 and 31 July are dedicated), has risen to the top of the tourist news having won fourth place in the 2026 edition of the national 'Village of Villages' competition thanks to a proposal that combines natural heritage, historical identity and services oriented towards sustainable tourism. Its origins date back to the 10th century, when it was founded as a defensive structure in the Ottonian era, and today it retains traces of this approach in the ruins of the castle, located in a panoramic position overlooking the Vitalba valley. A walking tour of the old town centre touches on points of interest such as the recently restored Church of Santa Maria della Quercia, the murals scattered along the streets that visually narrate local traditions, Palazzo Frascella and the remains of the medieval fortification. For nature lovers (who can stay in the 'Stars Boxes' installed on Monte Torretta), the main attraction is the Waterfall Park along the Bradano torrent, with its six waterfalls that can be observed through equipped trails, while a valid outdoor alternative is trekking on historical trails such as the Cammino di Guglielmo and the Via del Grano.

Le cascate