Things to see · Trails and hikes
Path of the Seven Stones
Castelmezzano (Potenza)
Path of the Seven Stones is in Castelmezzano, province of Potenza. Opening hours: Path always open. Best walked in daylight and when it is not raining. Admission: Free.
- Free.
- Path always open. Best walked in daylight and when it is not raining.
About this place
Il Percorso delle Sette Pietre is the trail linking Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, the two most beautiful villages of the Dolomiti Lucane, crossing the valley of the Caperrino stream. It is about 2 kilometres long and along the way it tells a story of witches and spells.
History
The trail follows an old farm path between the two villages. It draws on tales passed down by word of mouth from generation to generation and on the book Vito ballava con le streghe by the Lucanian writer Mimmo Sammartino. It tells of the masciare, witches who anointed themselves with enchanted oil and crossed the night riding white dogs, and of the farmer Vito who, the victim of a love spell, danced with them.
The seven stops
The trail is marked by seven art installations, designed by the artist Rocco Falciano, each with a work and a soundtrack that evoke a moment of the story: destini, incanto, sortilegio, streghe, volo, ballo, delirio.
The route
• From Pietrapertosa, at about 920 metres, you descend to the 660 metres of the Caperrino valley and climb up to Castelmezzano, at about 770 metres.
• Halfway along is the Antro delle Streghe (Witches’ Cave), a plateau along the stream with a equipped picnic area and an old stone bridge. From here the vie ferrate (via ferrata climbing routes) and the Nepalese bridge start.
• One way alone takes about an hour or an hour and a half; the return is uphill. If you don’t want to walk back, you can return by the Volo dell’Angelo (Flight of the Angel), during the season when it is open.
How to get there
• From Castelmezzano: the trail starts from the lower part of the village, following the signs for the Percorso delle Sette Pietre.
• From Pietrapertosa: it starts from the lower part of the village and descends towards the valley.
Useful information
• The trail is free and well maintained, but it has steep sections and steps: bring trekking shoes and water.
• In summer, set off early or in the late afternoon; when it rains the stone becomes slippery.
• For other trails and tips, read our guide to the Dolomiti Lucane.
