The Appian Way

Venosa is a stop on the Appian Way, the Regina Viarum that linked Rome to Brindisi and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2024. The route crosses the Vulture Alto Bradano through wheat fields, olive groves and hill villages, and can be walked or ridden by mountain bike.

The area

The Vulture Alto Bradano lies in northern Basilicata, in the province of Potenza, 88 kilometres from Matera. It is dominated by Monte Vulture, an extinct volcano 1,326 metres high with the Monticchio lakes at its foot, and it is the home of Aglianico del Vulture wine.

The stages

In route order, the stretch through Basilicata passes six villages. A full description of each is on the nearby villages page (in Italian).

1. Melfi — the town of Frederick II, with its castle and the Melfi archaeological museum.
2. Rapolla — a rural village among woods and thermal springs, once a bishop’s seat.
3. Venosa — Roman Venusia, birthplace of Horace: archaeological park, castle and Holy Trinity abbey. What to see →
4. Palazzo San Gervasio — the village of Frederick II’s hunting lodge, overlooking the Murgia.
5. Banzi — ancient Bantia, mentioned by Horace, above the upper Fiumarella valley.
6. Genzano di Lucania — between the Vulture and the Murgia, with the castle of Monteserico.

How to travel it

The route can be done on foot or by mountain bike. E-bikes and electric scooters can be hired in Venosa.

For guided excursions, groups of ten or more and licensed nature guides, write to the Venosa Turistica Association through the contact form.

Before you set off

Getting to Venosa · Parking · Where to stay · Local wineries