Discover Baselice

Baselice brings together a range of themes for a stay: architectural history at Palazzo Lembo, the Grotten di Ripa di Troia and hiking trails associated with Monte Barbato. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, these different highlights can help you plan your time in the area. The following places and route descriptions bring history and landscape together without forming a set sightseeing itinerary.

Palazzo Lembo: architectural history and museum

Palazzo Lembo was built by the Lembo family at the end of the 18th century on the remains of a medieval castle. Its construction on earlier castle remains gives the building a history spanning several eras. In 2011, the palazzo was recognised as a “Meraviglia d’Italia” (Wonder of Italy). More than two centuries separate its construction from this later recognition.

Some rooms on the upper floor contain frescoes from the late 18th century. They recall the frescoes in the contemporary Reggia di Caserta. The Palazzo is also home to the Museo Civico Paleontologico del Fortore. Its collection also includes minerals and rocks.

Caves, church and historical finds

The Grotten di Ripa di Troia consist of three caves located around the municipality of Baselice. They are carved into tuff, making the rock a distinctive feature of the caves. According to local tradition, a Samnite warrior lived there. A tomb associated with this tradition was found at the caves in 1971.

Finds at two other named locations also offer specific points of reference for local history. Urns for holding cremated remains were found at the Fontana di Frode. Another tomb containing 17 bronze coins came to light at the Fontana dell’Ancino.

The Chiesa di San Leonardo Abate is located near Via Roma in the centre of Baselice. Its location makes it an easily identifiable point of reference for anyone who would also like to include the municipality’s central landmarks in their travel plans.

Hiking trails and views

A trail description published by the CAI in 2023 places the start of a trail at a viewpoint above Baselice, near Agriturismo Regio Tratturo. The path initially runs along the edge of a pine forest.

An itinerary published by the CAI on 2 July 2023 also describes a hiking route from Baselice via Monte Barbato to San Giovanni a Mazzocca. Monte Barbato reaches an elevation of 945 m. From the route, you can enjoy views of the entire Fortore River valley, the Monti della Daunia and the peaks of the Matese. Trail conditions can change; check the current situation before setting out on your hike.

Discover more destinations: Forchia, Castelvenere, Apice Vecchio, Paolisi, San Bartolomeo In Galdo, Montesarchio, Circello, San Leucio del Sannio

For the broader travel overview: Benevento.