What to do and see in Castelmezzano, gem of the Lucanian Dolomites

If you are looking for a magical place or a destination different from the usual, the winning choice could be going to Castelmezzano in Basilicata, a town of rare charm, able to satisfy both an audience eager for a pleasant place, or the most free and adventurous spirits. How is this possible? We're just going to find it out in this article!

Get ready for an exciting journey where nature still plays a key role, while the work of humans intertwines perfectly with its shapes and colors, without damaging it, but rather enriching it with wonder and beauty. Basilicata is in fact a land where tradition and folklore are still celebrated with pride, the perfect place to enjoy a green holiday to regenerate body and spirit and collect wonderful memories.

All this is possible in Castelmezzano, our next stop in Basilicata (but only after visiting Matera following the advice of our guide to the City of Stones!).

Castelmezzano is part of a territory exceptional by the naturalistic point of view: together with the municipalities of Pietrapertosa, Accettura, Calciano and Oliveto Lucano, it is in fact part of the wonderful park of Lucanian Dolomites.

The village, counting little more than 700 inhabitants and perched on the mountain side almost 1000 meters above sea level, makes its peculiar rocky conformation also its own signature landscape view, which gives it a particular crib-like aura.

The beauty and uniqueness of the houses with sandstone roofs and the historic center perched on the rock made Castelmezzano a place known for its exceptionality, one of the most exceptional places in Italy. Moreover, Castelmezzano is particularly famous as an outstanding destination for sustainable tourism due to its absolutely authentic and clean mountain atmosphere.

Being captured by this enchanted village is very easy and, in addition, you can't help to take a few breathtaking selfies on the background of Lucanian Dolomites and share them on social media (especially on Instagram) with all your friends!

Tthe timeless charm of Castelmezzano, medieval village nestled in the rock, find its greatest and most fascinating marvel in the steep stairways carved into the rock itself, climbing higher and higher on the slopes of the mountain, completely integrated into the natural landscape with a truly breathtaking visual impact.

And this is another of the strengths of this town in Basilicata: nature and human work crossing paths to give life to an incredible view, a testimony of how mankind can build wonders in full respect of nature.

Must-see attractions in Castelmezzano: in your stroll around this village od the Lucanian Dolomites don't miss the remains of the Norman Castle, the historical buildings such as Palazzo Coiro and the Ducal Palace De Lerma, without forgetting the Church of Santa Maria dell'Olmo and Piazza Caiazzo, centre of the village and meeting point for inhabitants and visitors.

Castelmezzano means nature, adventure, fun, and dream, an incredible place suitable for many different types of tourism and needs.

If you are adventurous, here in Castelmezzano you could try your hand at the flight of the angel, a stunning experience to try to immerse yourself in this beautiful landscape from a really special perspective: in fact it refers to slide, at a speed of 120 km/h, the distance separating Castelmezzano from Pietrapertosa traveling on a steel cable between the rocky peaks of Lucanian Dolomites! Certainly not an experience recommended for those who suffer from dizziness, but if you’re not afraid, this is something unmissable.

This fantastic adventure is obviously organized in such a way that the safety of the participants is protected, so to enjoy this flight in a carefree manner. Moreover, it does not necessarily have to be a solitary experience, but you can also do it as a couple, adding to the incredible thrill of being in the air, even a dose of healthy romance!

Once you arrive in each of the two villages, you can organize excursions and visits to historic centres, as well as tastings of fantastic local food and products, such as strangolapreti with ricotta cheese and mint, u cuttiridd (a dish with sheep meat and vegetables, sauze'z (a typical salami); pizzatl (focaccia) and crostl (desserts made with honey). If after the zipline flight you are still not satisfied of adventure, then you should make a trip to Gradinata Normanna, a staircase carved into the rock of one of the Dolomites spires allowing you to admire a unique panorama.

Did you know that it is possible to experience a breathtaking flight through the mountains by zipline even in the near Campania? Check it out below!

Castelmezzano is a picturesque village in Basilicata, known for its fascinating history and breathtaking landscape. Officially founded by the Normans as Castrum Medianum (middle castle) in the 11th century, the village has historical roots dating back to antiquity with traces of settlements in Greek and Roman times.

Dominated by the suggestive rock formations of the Lucanian Dolomites, Castelmezzano played a strategic defensive role in the Middle Ages, thanks to its elevated position and natural fortifications. During the Norman age the village developed further and in peace, later passing under the rule of the Angevins and Aragonese, but it was only with the government of Baron Giovanni Antonio De Leonardis and his family (from 1580 to 1686) that the village began to prosper. Subsequently it passed by marriage to the De Lerma family, until 1805.

During the 19th century, between the decline of feudalism (still strongly rooted in Southern Italy) and the rise of the social phenomenon of brigandage following the Unification of Italy, the village became a crossroads and refuge for the incursions of bands of brigands active in the territory; at the end of the century, however, a strong depopulation began caused by mass migration flows towards America.

Today, Castelmezzano rediscovered itself as a perfect tourist destination for those seeking calm, serenity and slowness, a warming place that perfectly mixes history, culture and adventure for a unique journey through the beauty of an Italy that feels perhaps less famous and chic, but certainly much more genuine and full of emotions.

The village of Castelmezzano in the very core of Basilicata, immersed in the spectacular panorama of the mountain range known as Lucanian Dolomites, on the border between the province of Potenza (where it belongs from an administrative point of view) and the province of Matera.

To reach Castelmezzano from Potenza it is advisable to travel by car, driving on the SS 407 Basentana and then continuing on the SP 32 up to your destination (following the same route you reach the nearby town of Pietrapertosa). To reach Castelmezzano from Matera, still by car, the ideal route involves driving on the SS 7 up to Ferrandina, then continuing on the SS 407 Basentana and then on the provincial roads to your destination. Both routs take approximately one hour.

If you are getting ready for an adventurous and exciting trip to Basilicata, and after discovering the beauty of Castelmezzano with us you have already added the Lucanian Dolomites in your itinerary, it's time to check out all the other fantastic unmissable places to visit in this magical region.

To fully enjoy the peculiar features of the territory of this land, a perfect mix of seaside and mountains with a few stunning landscape views, we suggest you explore Basilicata on the road discovering not only Castelmezzano, but also other extremely fascinating gems such as the ghost town of Craco.

It is then impossible to exclude Matera from your travel itinerary, the iconic and unique City of Stones, a symbol of history and culture for all Italy, a heritage waiting to be discovered and loved. Find out how to best do it below!