The earliest mention of the town occurs in 967 when Pandolfo the Lombard is called Prince of Conza and Rapolla.
In 1254, Rapolla wanted to follow the party of the papacy against Manfred, for which the town was virtually destroyed by Galvano Lancia.
Bishop Bernardo (1316–1330) collected a force of soldiers and descended on the church of San Donato in the district of Ravella, which was in the possession of P. Nicolaus Guidonis di Rivacandida, who had obtained the post by a collation of Pope John XXII.
Showing Nicolaus papal documents, Bishop Bernardo ejected him and threw him into prison, stating that he would never release Nicholas as long as the present pope was alive.
Pope John responded with indignation, and dispatched a letter on 4 September 1321 to Master Guillermo Balaeto, the Rector of Benevento, mandating that he cite Bishop Bernardo to appear in his court.
[8] The cathedral of Rapolla was dedicated to the Taking Up of the Body of the Virgin Mary into Heaven and was administered by a Chapter composed of four dignities (the Archdeacon, the Cantor, the Treasurer, and the Vice-Cantor) and four canons.