Discover Caposele: Springs, Culture and Regional Cuisine

Caposele combines an impressive waterscape with museums, churches, regional specialities and active experiences. The Sorgenti del Sele are particularly characteristic: they spring from a large limestone rock face at an altitude of 420 metres within the municipality. Underground waters feed the Sorgente Sanità and are then collected at the Tredogge spring. This is where the Sele begins its course, continuing as far as Capaccio Paestum.

Those looking for a holiday apartment in Caposele can choose the focus of their trip from these different experiences. Nature enthusiasts will find a protected natural area in the Parco Fluviale, with walking paths and excursions for observing the local flora and fauna. The park near Piazza Sanità also includes water-engineering infrastructure and the first headquarters of Acquedotto Pugliese SpA. This makes it possible to understand the importance of water both in the landscape and in the history of the town.

Water, Engineering and Museums

At the Sorgenti del Sele, the intake facility still has its original sluice gates from 1909, which continue to function. From there, it is also possible to see underground structures leading to the Galleria Pavoncelli. The Museo delle Acque explores this connection in greater depth. It consists of six rooms and tells the story of the social, territorial and cultural changes in Caposele since 1900. An educational workshop also focuses on traditional local agricultural and food products such as Matassa, Muffletto and Caposele-Amaretto.

Another cultural stop is the Museo delle Macchine di Leonardo, with a permanent exhibition about Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions. Around twenty wooden reproductions based on original drawings are assigned to the four categories of water, air, earth and fire. The Museo Gerardino, by contrast, focuses on San Gerardo and his veneration: it displays paintings depicting important moments in his life, donated devotional objects and a reconstruction of his cell.

Churches and Special Places

The Chiesa di San Lorenzo Martire, also known as the Tempio Artistico di San Lorenzo, stands in the historic centre of Caposele. Inside, the ceiling and walls evoke flowing water; the liturgical space appears as a large river whose centre and source are represented by the altar. The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Sanità, also known as the Chiesa della Salute, is located near the Sorgenti del Sele. Inside, there is a fresco of the Madonna della Sanità dating from 1200. Every year, on the third Sunday in August, the celebrations in honour of the Virgin Mary begin at this church.

The Basilica di San Gerardo also tells the religious history of the town. It was expanded from 16 October 1913 to 31 August 1929 and was granted the title of minor basilica on 18 February 1930. When planning a culturally focused stay, these churches can be combined with the museums and water-related sites to create different discovery themes, without all the stops having the same character.

Active Days and Local Specialities

For cycling and hiking enthusiasts, the Ciclovia dell’Acquedotto Pugliese runs for over 500 km along two historic pipelines: the Canale Principale leads from Caposele to Villa Castelli, while the Grande Sifone Leccese runs from there to Santa Maria di Leuca. In the Caposele–San Vito climbing area, the Lancia del Sole sector is suitable for climbing at any time of year. These activities offer different ways to experience the surroundings, from a long cycling and hiking route to a stay among the rocks.

Local cuisine includes Matasse, a typical homemade pasta made from durum-wheat and soft-wheat flour. Traditionally, it is served with a slightly spicy sauce made from chickpeas, garlic and dried peppers. A culinary workshop on preparing Matasse di Caposele explains its history and production; participants can also try stretching the dough themselves. Muffletto is a product found exclusively in the municipality of Caposele. Some artisan bakeries make it using long-established methods and sell it, among other places, to pilgrims visiting the sanctuary of Materdomini in Caposele.

Cellars carved into the rock also recall the former storage of wine, cured meats and cheese. Some old traditional machines and historic containers used for production and storage are still preserved. When looking for a suitable holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether your trip should focus more on observing nature, water engineering, sacred culture, activities or regional cuisine.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

For additional regional inspiration, you can also explore these places: San Michele di Serino, Baiano, Forino, Ariano Irpino, Villamaina, Beatrice, Pietradefusi and Avellino.

To the overarching travel overview: Avellino.