Parco Urbano delle Cantine di Rapolla
Between chestnuts, Aglianico and rock-hewn cellars lit by thousands of candles
About Parco Urbano delle Cantine
The village that lights up with candles
There are sagre (food festivals) that become legends, and the Parco Urbano delle Cantine di Rapolla is one of them. Every October, the village in the Vulture region opens the doors of its evocative rock-hewn cellars dug into the tuff stone along Fosso Tiglio and Via Monastero, illuminating them with thousands of candles. The result is a unique atmosphere, suspended in time, which has led many to call it "the best sagra in Basilicata".
The flavours of Lucanian autumn
The absolute stars are the fruits of the season: roasted chestnuts, mushrooms, autumn vegetables, new wine, and above all, Aglianico del Vulture, one of Southern Italy's great red wines. The cellars become stops on a gourmet itinerary where each space offers a different experience, with soft lighting, live music, and peasant cuisine served in the heart of the rock.
A journey through time
In addition to gastronomy, the event offers spectacle. From the medieval procession that starts from Piazza Garibaldi, flag wavers, falconers, swordsmen, and dancers parade, while ancient gestures like treading grapes barefoot are renewed in the alleyways. There are also Slow Food workshops on the aging of cheeses from the Vulture Natural Park and masterclasses on Aglianico curated by the Regional Wine Cellar.
A festival for all of Basilicata
Promoted by the Municipality of Rapolla with the Pro Loco (local tourist board) and local organisations, the Parco Urbano delle Cantine attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year—up to 50,000 attendees in the most popular editions. For those who want to discover the authentic soul of the Vulture region and the province of Potenza, it is an unmissable autumn event.
Parco Urbano delle Cantine — edition 2026
The 22nd edition of the Parco Urbano delle Cantine di Rapolla will take place on October 11-12, 2026. Once again, the village of Vulture will transform its rock-hewn cellars into an itinerary of taste and spectacle, featuring Aglianico del Vulture, roasted chestnuts, and historical reenactments.
Programme Parco Urbano delle Cantine 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be announced in the coming weeks. Based on previous editions, the event is structured as follows:
- Opening of gastronomic stands and the rock-hewn cellars of Fosso Tiglio and Via Monastero, illuminated by thousands of candles
- Tastings of Aglianico del Vulture, new wine, and roasted chestnuts, with traditional peasant dishes
- Medieval procession from Piazza Garibaldi with falconers, flag wavers, swordsmen, and dancers
- Slow Food workshops on cheese aging and masterclasses on Aglianico by the Regional Wine Cellar
- Grape treading barefoot, artisan markets, and live music in the cellars
Highlights Parco Urbano delle Cantine 2026
Prices Parco Urbano delle Cantine 2026
Practical information — Parco Urbano delle Cantine
How to get there: Rapolla is located in the Vulture area, reachable by car from the SS93 and the A16 motorway (Candela exit); Rapolla-Lavello train station connects the village to the regional network.
Tickets: entry to the village is free; tastings and dishes are paid for at individual cellars and stands.
Tip: the village is very crowded on event days; it's advisable to arrive in the afternoon to enjoy the cellars lit up at sunset. Info: +39 0972 647219.
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Where does it take place — Parco Urbano delle Cantine
Cantine rupestri di Fosso Tiglio e Via Monastero