a town of Naples, province of Basilicata, on a high volcanic eminence, 75 miles E.N.E. of Naples, and 34 S. of Foggia. The town has narrow streets; and is defended by walls, now in a ruinous condition, and by an ancient Norman castle. On the 14th August 1851, Melfi was visited by a tremendous earthquake; the ancient cathedral with its tower was laid in ruins, the college and several churches and monasteries were destroyed, 163 houses were thrown down and 278 injured, and more than 600 of the inhabitants perished in the ruins. This town was formerly the capital of the Norman possessions in Southern Italy, and the seat of the baronial councils. The hall where these councils used to meet has been in recent times changed into a theatre. The neighbouring country is rich in wine, which forms the principal article of trade. Pop. 9582.