The Land of Waters, Saints, and Brigands: San Fele is a gem waiting to be discovered, with its breathtaking waterfalls
In the heart of Basilicata lies a small village rich in unspoiled nature, traditions, and captivating stories: San Fele. This charming Lucanian village, nestled between the Castello and Torretta mountains, is famous for being the land of waters, saints, and brigands—a place where history and legends blend with the incredible natural beauty of the area.
San Fele and Its Enchanted Waterfalls
The name “San Fele” derives from “Felice,” who was once the owner of most of the land in this area. But what truly makes San Fele unique are its waterfalls, a testament to the power of the waters that flow through this land.
In the heart of the Lucanian Apennines, the Bradanello Stream originates, one of the main watercourses in Basilicata. It flows toward the Atella River and later joins the Ofanto River, which empties into the Adriatic Sea. This watercourse passes through the municipality of San Fele, in the province of Potenza, where it encounters numerous elevation changes. These drops create a series of spectacular waterfalls, known as the San Fele Waterfalls system.
This unparalleled natural spectacle consists of 10 waterfalls, some of which are unfortunately inaccessible due to landslides. Among the most famous are the Cascata delle Gemelle, Cascata degli Innamorati, Cascata delle Uattemiere, and Cascata del Paradiso. The natural wonders created by the water will envelop you with their cool murmurs and offer an unforgettable experience!
Mills and Textile Traditions
Water, with its many streams and the force of the waterfalls, has always been a valuable resource for San Fele. In the past, it was used to power mills that were essential to the local community and economy. One of the most interesting uses was the transformation of wool into felt, an important activity for the local economy.
The San Fele waterfalls, known as “U uattenniere” in the local dialect, refer to the ancient term for “Fulling Mill,” a device used in old factories in the region. These factories were built near the waterfalls to harness the energy of the water, which, as it fell, drove the paddles. The paddles, in turn, operated hammers that beat the woven wool, making it more durable and ready for further processing. These ancient textile traditions are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the people of San Fele, who have learned to adapt to the local environment and respectfully utilize the available resources.
Lush Nature and Slow Itineraries
The waterfalls and rivers of San Fele are surrounded by lush vegetation, with willows, alders, hazelnuts, blackberries, and many other river plants thriving along the banks. This natural environment is a perfect refuge for spending a day in nature, with various opportunities for refreshing hikes and walks.
The waterfalls are freely accessible at any time: there are no opening or closing hours for the natural area.
The total walk itinerary covers 8 kilometers and includes various paths.
The “La Pineta” route stretches for about 20 minutes along the Bradano stream and showcases hydraulic works from the 1950s and 1960s, such as concrete weirs and stone gabions, along with the remains of an old mill.
The “U Urtone” path measures about a kilometer and is one of the two routes that start from the village to reach the waterfalls. The second route from the village of San Fele is about 4 kilometers long and takes about four hours to walk.
The “Il Paradiso” route follows the waters for 300 meters, which in summer form a pool over 6 meters deep.
Eco-Friendly Hospitality and Authentic Flavors
Organic farmhouses and small eco-friendly bed & breakfasts offer the opportunity to enjoy a vacation in harmony with nature, while also serving as an ideal starting point for discovering Basilicata and the San Fele Waterfalls. By choosing accommodations that use renewable energy, reduce waste, and minimize waste, you can reduce the ecological footprint of your stay.
Some organic farmhouses, like Il Querceto, offer the chance to savor local, fresh, and seasonal dishes. “Peperoni cruschi,” for example, are one of Basilicata’s culinary symbols. These dry, crunchy peppers are a true local delicacy, often used in traditional cuisine. Among the typical dishes not to be missed is “strascinata,” a typical Lucanian pasta, made by dragging fresh pasta with fingers on a floured wooden surface, often served with peperoni cruschi and local herbs.
The Charm of the Village of San Fele
After exploring the enchanting waterfall trails, a walk through the historic center of San Fele is an absolute must. This charming medieval village, originally called Santo Felice, boasts a beautiful Fortress Castle and several charming palaces, such as Palazzo Frascella with its impressive architecture and Palazzo Stia.
The alleys, streets, stairs, and small squares of San Fele are full of charm. In the maze of narrow streets, you can stroll while being lulled by the voices of the locals, who speak in the local dialect, and immerse yourself in the “dolce vita”, the relaxed life of Basilicata.
The history of San Fele is filled with adventures and mysteries linked to brigands, bandits who sought refuge in the rugged mountains of Basilicata, often leading to romantic or criminal stories. The charm of these legends is still present in the village, where you can discover the ancient history of the brigands and their exploits.
San Fele is a place where nature, history, and traditions blend into a single experience. The enchanting waterfalls, textile tradition, authentic cuisine, and the historical allure of the brigands make this village a hidden gem to discover and love—an immersion in the culture and beauty of Basilicata.
Cover image: photo by Canva PRO
