Via ferrata in the Lucanian Dolomites (PZ) with private mountain guide

Let yourself be captured by the charm of the Lucanian Dolomites, by the colours and bizarre shapes of the rocks that, like sharp spires, characterise the landscape of this area located in the authentic heart of Basilicata.

A private mountain guide will lead you on a beautiful via ferrata between the villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, incredibly set amidst spikes and overhangs, the realm of numerous birds of prey, such as the black stork and the red kite, which nest there undisturbed.

Immersed in this scenery, you will follow itineraries equipped with Tibetan bridges, cables and steps that will allow you to overcome canyons, walls and sharp ridges. You will reach the top of villages counted among the most beautiful villages in Italy and guarded by a breathtaking stone microcosm.

What we will do

We will meet at 9 a.m. in the village of Castelmezzano (PZ), whose view will surprise us from afar, with its characteristic rocky outcrops towering behind the roofs of the perched houses. With the mountain guide leading the group, who will provide us withequipment and explain how to use it, we will begin the excursion from the Percorso delle Sette Pietre, the ancient sheep-track that connected the two villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa. Arriving near a Roman bridge, you will be able to choose between two via ferrata.

The Marcirosa via ferrata runs on the Pietrapertosa side and reaches the village near the start of the famous 'Volo dell'Angelo' aerial cableway, crossing rocky slabs, ridges and suspension bridges with a spectacular view of the overhangs of the Rio Caperrino valley. It is 1,778 m long and has an altitude difference of 331 m.

The via Ferrata Salemm reaches the upper part of Castelmezzano, climbing or circumventing in succession the towers that flank the village with long crossings on vertical walls and ridges that offer a unique panorama of the village and the valley. It is 1,731 m long with an altitude difference of 249 m.

The Salemm, compared to the Marcirosa, has more vertical passages and is somewhat more challenging. Depending on the characteristics of the group, it will be decided by mutual agreement which of the two via ferratas to tackle, with the guide's unquestionable approval. in both cases, the spectacle is assured!

The activity lasts a total of 4.5 hours. We will return to the starting point at lunchtime.

Who it is aimed at

This activity is of an intermediate level. No specific mountaineering or climbing skills are required, but despite the presence of aids along the via ferrata, one must be able to cope with some stretches that require a certain muscular effort and tolerance to verticality and emptiness (one must not suffer from vertigo).

In any case, with the support of the guide and equipment, the route can be completed by anyone with a minimum of training and agility and a desire to experience strong sensations! Minimum age 14 years.

Other information

Attention! Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the departure time.

The activity is intended for private groups of a maximum of 6 participants and can be booked all year round except in April and May, the nesting period of the black stork... we wouldn't want to disturb it!

Recommended clothing

• layered sportswear
• waterproof windbreaker
• hiking boots

Don't forget to bring

• backpack
• energy snacks
• at least 1 litre of water