Via ferratas of the Lucanian Dolomites and Nepalese bridge

Among the sandstone pinnacles that surround Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa there are two via ferrate (protected climbing routes with steel cables, rungs and footholds that allow you to climb safely to viewpoints that would otherwise be out of reach). They are linked by the Nepalese bridge, suspended above the Caperrino valley.

The two via ferrate

• Salemm via ferrata, on the Castelmezzano side: about 1,731 metres in total, with 249 metres of elevation gain. It includes about 740 metres of approach (45 minutes), almost one kilometre of protected route (about 2 hours) and a short final section that comes out above the village.
• Marcirosa via ferrata, on the Pietrapertosa side: about 1,778 metres, with 331 metres of elevation gain; the protected section takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Both are rated EEA (easy): suitable even for those with little experience, as long as you are not afraid of heights and are in good shape. There are very exposed and vertical sections and some escape routes.

The Nepalese bridge

Measuring 72 metres long and up to 35 metres above the ground, at an altitude of about 650 metres, it links the starting points of the two via ferrate. It is reached from the Antro delle Streghe (Witches’ Cave), the plateau along the Caperrino stream, in the middle of the Percorso delle Sette Pietre (Seven Stones Trail). No more than 15 people at a time may cross it, always clipped to the safety cable with the via ferrata kit.

Mandatory equipment

Climbing helmet, harness, Y-shaped via ferrata lanyard with energy absorber and two karabiners, gloves and boots. Anyone without the kit can rent it at the ticket offices of the Volo dell’Angelo (Angel’s Flight), in Castelmezzano and in Pietrapertosa, where guides can also be booked.

How to get there

• From Castelmezzano: follow the Percorso delle Sette Pietre down to the Antro delle Streghe and the Roman bridge, the starting point of both via ferrate. Alternatively, park near the cemetery, where there is an information point, and follow the path.
• From Pietrapertosa: walk down the Percorso delle Sette Pietre for about 15 minutes to the starting point.

Useful information

• Respect the indicated direction of travel and do not attempt the via ferrate in rain, snow or wind.
• In summer, start early: some sections are in full sun.
• Guide contacts: Castelmezzano 0971 986042, Pietrapertosa 0971 983110.
• For all activities, see our guide to the Dolomiti Lucane.