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Province of Potenza

Castelmezzano

The Lucanian Dolomites village and the Flight of the Angel

Discover Castelmezzano

Castelmezzano stands at about 750 metres, set among the sandstone peaks of the Lucanian Dolomites, facing Pietrapertosa. It is one of «The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy» and was listed by an American travel magazine among the world’s most beautiful places «you’ve never heard of».

This is the starting point of the Flight of the Angel, the steel cable on which you fly suspended to Pietrapertosa, and of the Seven Stones Path inspired by Mimmo Sammartino’s book. For the sporty there’s also a via ferrata. In the village, visit the mother church of Santa Maria dell’Olmo, dating from the 13th century.

What to see in a day

Castelmezzano sits among the sandstone pinnacles of the Lucanian Dolomites, in the Gallipoli Cognato regional park. It is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.

  • The old town with houses built against the rock and the Mother Church of Santa Maria dell'Olmo
  • The steps carved into the stone that climb to the ruins of the Norman castle
  • The Flight of the Angel (Volo dell'Angelo), a zip line where you fly in a harness all the way to Pietrapertosa
  • The via ferrata of the Lucanian Dolomites, for experienced and equipped climbers
  • The Path of the Seven Stones, a trail of about two kilometres to Pietrapertosa inspired by a novel of witches and legends

When to go

From spring to autumn, when the Flight of the Angel is open and the trails are dry. In winter the village is quiet and often snowy, like a nativity scene.

Getting there

By car: about 35 kilometres from Potenza along the Basento valley, following the signs for the Dolomiti Lucane. Public transport is limited: a car is the practical choice.

What to eat

Home-made pasta with meat sauce, sausage and soppressata, cheeses from the park's pastures, and mushroom and chestnut dishes in autumn.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Flight of the Angel?

A zip line between Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa: you fly suspended from a steel cable high above the valley. It is booked on the official website and runs in the warmer months.

Can I visit Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa on the same day?

Yes, the two villages face each other: you can move between them by car, on foot along the Path of the Seven Stones or with the Flight of the Angel.

How long is the Path of the Seven Stones?

About two kilometres between the two villages, on a trail with some climbing: wear walking shoes.

Is Castelmezzano good for children?

Yes, the village and the easy trails suit families; the Flight of the Angel and the via ferrata have age and weight limits.

On the map

  • Things to see

Things to see in Castelmezzano

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