Melfi
Welcome to Melfi: a city with ancient origins and a rich history
Hello friends, today I will take you on a journey to discover Melfi, a beautiful municipality in the province of Potenza in Basilicata, where I had the pleasure of living for some time. With its 17,108 inhabitants, Melfi is a city with ancient origins, founded in remote times.
Physical geography
Terrain
Melfi is located in the extreme north of Basilicata, at the foot of Mount Vulture, an inactive volcano since the early historical era, bordering Puglia (province of Foggia) and Campania (province of Avellino), delimited by the Ofanto river. The municipal territory, which extends over an area of , is the second largest municipality in the province.
Climate
Being located inland, Melfi's climate is cool-temperate, with irregular precipitation mainly in the autumn and winter seasons. Winters are rather cold, with possible snowfalls, while summers are hot and dry.
Origins of the name
The name Melfi is believed to derive from the Melpes river, mentioned by the Latin writer and naturalist Pliny the Elder, near Capo Palinuro. However, there are several theories about the name's origins that remain uncertain.
History
Origins
The foundation of Melfi dates back to remote times, but the exact date of its founding is still uncertain today. According to some sources, its founders may have been Greeks, while others attribute the birth of Melfi to some families of the Roman Empire who decided to move to Byzantium rebuilt by Constantine the Great.
A rich historical past
Melfi can boast a very rich historical past. It was in fact the first capital of the Norman conquest of southern Italy and, in the Swabian period, one of the places of residence of Frederick II of Swabia, where he promulgated the legislative code of the kingdom of Sicily, commonly known as the Constitutions of Melfi. In the Aragonese period, it became a fiefdom of Andrea Doria, bestowed with the title of prince of Melfi, which was maintained by his heirs until 2000.
An inexorable decline
Subsequently, the city experienced an inexorable decline, becoming a theater of conflicts in the period of brigandage and a place of confinement for anti-fascists. Nevertheless, Melfi managed to recover, becoming today an important industrial center.
Fiat plant in Melfi
The San Nicola di Melfi area is particularly known for the automobile plant of the multinational Fiat, which became the property of the FCA group. The factory, capable of producing multiple models of cars, has contributed significantly to the economic and employment development of Melfi and its province.
Conclusions
Melfi is a city with a millennia-old history, rich in charm and natural beauties. Its geographical position, at the foot of Mount Vulture, makes it an ideal place for nature lovers and outdoor activities. Its historical past and vibrant culture make it a perfect tourist destination for history and art enthusiasts. I invite you to visit this wonderful city and enjoy all that it has to offer!
