The nature-focused tour of Monticchio’s lakes will commence from the smaller lake, incorporating visits to St. Michael Archangel’s abbey and the remains of the Sant’Ippolito abbey. Housed in the craters of the ancient Vulture volcano 658 meters above sea level, the lakes offer a ring-route journey to explore the pristine shores of the smaller lake. This journey culminates in a gentle uphill walk to the 8th-century abbey of St. Michael the Archangel, established by the Basilian monks who had settlements all over southern Italy. Currently under the management of the Capuchin Fathers, visitors can explore the cave featuring a three-aisle church and a mini museum housing wood-carved models of major Italian landmarks, and a few monastic cells. The journey continues with a descent towards the lakes and an exploration of the ruins of the 11th-century Sant’Ippolito abbey, another creation by the Basilian monks.