Urban Park of the Cellars of Rapolla
Between chestnuts, Aglianico and rock-hewn cellars lit by thousands of candles
About Urban Park of the Cellars
The village that lights up with candles
There are festivals that become legends, and the Urban Park of the Cellars of Rapolla is one of them. Every October, the village of the Vulture region opens the doors of its evocative rock-hewn cellars dug into the tuff 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 festival 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 pageant that starts from Piazza Garibaldi, flag-throwers, falconers, swordsmen, and dancers parade, while ancient gestures like treading grapes barefoot are renewed in the alleys. 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 Bar.
A festival for all of Basilicata
Promoted by the Municipality of Rapolla with the Pro Loco and local organizations, the Urban Park of the Cellars 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 and the province of Potenza, it is an unmissable autumn event.
Urban Park of the Cellars — edition 2026
The 22nd edition of the Urban Park of the Cellars of Rapolla will take place on October 11 and 12, 2026. This year 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 re-enactments.
Programme Urban Park of the Cellars 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 the food 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 pageant from Piazza Garibaldi with falconers, flag-throwers, swordsmen, and dancers
- Slow Food workshops on cheese aging and masterclasses on Aglianico by the Regional Wine Bar
- Grape treading barefoot, artisan markets, and live music in the cellars
Highlights Urban Park of the Cellars 2026
Prices Urban Park of the Cellars 2026
Practical information — Urban Park of the Cellars
How to get there: Rapolla is located in the Vulture area, reachable by car from the SS93 and the A16 (Candela exit); the 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: on event days, the village is very crowded; it's advisable to arrive in the afternoon to enjoy the cellars lit at sunset. Info: +39 0972 647219.
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Where does it take place — Urban Park of the Cellars
Cantine rupestri di Fosso Tiglio e Via Monastero