The village of Ripacandida seems to have developed after the Gothic invasion of 'Candida Latinotum', whose inhabitants took refuge in the area where the village now stands, and gave the village its name. According to some experts, however, the name comes from the white-coloured hill on which it stands. The present town centre is situated partly on a settlement frequented from the VII to the IV century B.C..
The town is known as a land of saints: several churchmen were born or lived here, such as Saints Donatello, Mariano and Laviero, the Venerable Giambattista Rossi and Maria Teresa Araneo, known as Sister Mary of Jesus.
The Ripacandida River (the Arcidiaconata) flows below the town, where the ruins of a Roman aqueduct can be seen. Of particular interest is the Church of San Donato, the oldest of the numerous churches in Ripacandida. It stands out for its Romanesque architecture and 17th-century portal. The single nave, with its pointed vaulted walls, is frescoed with a complex pictorial cycle depicting the Bible, beginning with the Resurrection. These frescoes are known as the "Bible of Ripacandida". Adjoining the Sanctuary is the "Giardino Storico San Francesco" where a monumental Aleppo pine, some sequoias and yews can be admired.
Ripacandida in the Park
16.0% of its municipal territory, approximately 534 hectares, falls within the Park. This area includes rural land planted with olive trees and vines, as well as wooded areas. The communal woodland is part of the 'Bosco Grande' shared with Forenza, Acerenza and Genzano di Lucania. It consists mainly of tall oaks and Turkey oaks. For centuries it provided work, fed and provided warmth for the neighbouring populations. It served as a refuge for herds and breeders during cattle drives. People used to go to the forest to cut wood, transport it by mule and then sell it.
Inside, there is a building referred to as 'Il Casone' and 'Pile', meaning drinking troughs.
