Capital of the Norman kingdom, Melfi is the Frederician city par excellence, having played a particularly pivotal political role at the time of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia. Some historical references suggest that the name Melfi derives from the presence of the Melfia stream, a significant waterway also due to the many archaeological finds (in particular tombs and settlements from different periods).
This watercourse is formed by the union of the Fenaide stream, coming from Contrada Infantina in the north-east of the Vulture, with smaller streams coming from Contrada Bicocca. The Melfia flows around the city of Melfi and then reaches Toppo Sant'Agata and Toppo San Paolo, passes Rapolla and joins the Olivento, a tributary of the Ofanto area. The town stands on one of the craters of the Vulture, and on a abroad and deep block of lava (the hauynofiro of Melfi) used to quarry stones for the construction of its walls and castle. From its high position, it is considered one of the most important medieval castles in southern Italy, enhanced inside by the National Archaeological Museum of the Melfese.
Melfi in the Park
7.5% of its municipal area, about 1553 hectares, falls within the Park. Hydro-mineral springs are scattered over the municipal area along the north-west side of the Vulture (S.S. 401, km 9+826). This is an area rich in water, which has been harnessed for over a century, bottled and marketed as natural sparkling mineral water. There are many chestnut-growing sites, all of which are highly prized, with well-cultivated plants and excellent yields.