Rapolla's origins date back to the 10th century, when a group of Basilian monks settled in the area and built a convent here. In 1042 the village became a Norman fortress, before being destroyed in 1187 by the Melfi people and rebuilt soon afterwards by William the Good.
Of particular interest is the Cathedral built in the 12th century with a Romanesque portal and a bell tower dating from 1209. An interesting Roman sarcophagus was found in Rapolla, and is now housed in the National Museum in Melfi. The town is well-known for its wine, which is preserved in the volcanic tuff cavities of the Cantine urban park, and for its olive production. It is also a relatively new spa resort: the thermal water springs were only discovered in the early 19th century, and the spa was established in 1961. The Terme di Rapolla spa is fed by two springs: they gush out in the district of Orto del Lago and are classified as mineral, acidulous-ferruginous and saline-sulphurous-bicarbonate-alkaline. These are used to make therapeutic mud.
Rapolla in the Park
12.6% of the town’s municipal territory, about 374 hectares, falls within the Park. The main settlement lies on a ridge sloping to the east, bordered to the north by the Melfia stream (in the area of the thermal springs) and to the south by the Ontrolmo stream (where the Parco Urbano delle Cantine has been established and created). The park includes valuable chestnut areas with new and historic arboretums, as well as olive groves and vineyards of the highest quality: the Malvasia vine reaches heights of distinction. On a cliff, visible along the road leading to the railway station, stands the impressive 'Chiesa del Crocifisso' (Church of the Crucifix), built on a Basilian lavra later used by the Benedictines. Inside the alcoves are the remains of frescoes (13th century) depicting Christ Enthroned, the Madonna, St Benedict, Robert of Anjou and Sancia of Aragon.
