Baselice: Palazzo Lembo, caves and Monte Barbato

Baselice brings architecture, the history of archaeological finds and mountain scenery together in a striking contrast. At Palazzo Lembo, the history of the late 18th century builds on the remains of a medieval castle; the Grotten di Ripa di Troia and Monte Barbato add scenery and hiking to the picture. This lets you plan your stay around different interests: architectural and collection history, archaeological traces or a hike with sweeping views.

Palazzo Lembo: Building history and museum

The Lembo family had Palazzo Lembo built at the end of the 18th century on the remains of a medieval castle. The building thus brings together the medieval castle remains and the palace of the late 18th century. In 2011, Palazzo Lembo was recognised as a “Meraviglia d’Italia” (Wonder of Italy). Some rooms on the upper floor contain late-18th-century frescoes that recall the contemporary Reggia di Caserta. This comparison places the frescoes in a broader art-historical context.

The Museo Civico Paleontologico del Fortore is also housed in the palazzo. Its collection also includes minerals and rocks. For culture lovers, this creates a distinctive contrast: historic architecture and frescoes are set against a natural history collection.

Caves, archaeological sites and the town centre

The Grotte di Ripa di Troia consist of three caves around the municipality of Baselice, carved into tuff. According to local tradition, a Samnite warrior lived there; his tomb was found at the caves in 1971. Their geological form and local legend give the caves two different links to the history of the area.

Finds at the fountains also tell of burials: urns for cremated remains were found at the Fontana di Frode. Another tomb containing 17 bronze coins came to light at the Fontana dell’Ancino. In the town centre, the Chiesa di San Leonardo Abate is located near Via Roma; its position provides a useful landmark for a walk through the centre of Baselice.

Monte Barbato and the hiking trails

Monte Barbato reaches an elevation of 945 m. A CAI itinerary published for 2 July 2023 leads from Baselice over Monte Barbato to San Giovanni a Mazzocca. From the hiking route, the view extends across the entire Fortore River valley, the Monti della Daunia and the peaks of the Matese.

A CAI trail description published in 2023 describes a starting point at a viewpoint above Baselice, near Agriturismo Regio Tratturo. The path initially runs along the edge of a pine forest. The information about the starting point and route provides practical guidance for planning a day out; trail conditions can change, so check them before setting off on a hike.

Plan your stay around your interests

When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to decide first how you want to spend your days: would you like to include the palazzo, museum and archaeological finds in your plans, or are you more interested in a hike with views of the Fortore, Daunia and Matese? If you are travelling with children or several generations, you can take everyone’s different interests into account when planning your days.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Forchia, Colle Sannita, Fragneto Monforte, Campoli del Monte Taburno, San Lorenzello, Paolisi, Morcone, Paduli.

Go to the main travel overview: Benevento.