Pietrapertosa: sport, adventure and folklore on the mountains of Basilicata

Welcome to Pietrapertosa, one of the most beautiful and evocative villages to visit on your next trip to Basilicata, also chosen by CNN among the best not to be missed in Italy. An acknowledgment that is certainly well deserved, because a trip to this gem of the Lucanian Dolomites is a true experience of discovering oneself and one's bond with nature, which best manifests all its charm in this region.

Located over 1000 meters above sea level, perched on the side of the mountains and today populated by only a few hundred inhabitants, Pietrapertosa is the ideal place to enjoy a relaxing walk through the alleys and historic buildings, immersed in the spectacular mountain scenery. It is no coincidence that such a particular location has also become a source of inspiration for pop culture, even appearing in a Stephen King’s novel and in a promo dedicated to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

During your stroll around the village there are some attractions not to be missed, such as the ancient Norman Castle which offers an impressive panoramic view from its terraces and the Arabata, a charming neighborhood right at the foot of the fortress made up of small houses that create a real labyrinth of uphill alleys and steps. Also visit the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore and the Convent of San Francesco, the most important religious buildings in the area, both built between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and keepers of masterpieces of sacred art, in particular frescoes and paintings.

Pietrapertosa is also known for its craftsmanship related to woodworking, in particular for the creation of furniture and artistic carving.

The village of Pietrapertosa is located exactly in the geographical core of Basilicata, in the heart of the mountain range known as the Lucanian Dolomites, precisely on the border between the province of Potenza (where it belongs from an administrative point of view) and the province of Matera.

To reach Pietrapertosa from Potenza it is advisable to travel by car, driving on the SS 407 Basentana and then continuing on the SP 13 up to your destination (following the same route you reach the nearby town of Castelmezzano). To reach Pietrapertosa 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 takes less than one hour.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to reach Pietrapertosa via public transport, making travel to this hidden gem challenging. However, despite the difficulties, it is absolutely worth visiting Pietrapertosa...find out why in the next paragraphs!

If you love sport and are always looking for adrenaline-filled experiences to enjoy on your travels, then Pietrapertosa is one of the perfect destinations for you. In fact, one of the most beautiful attractions of the village much loved by tourists and enthusiasts is the spectacular zipline connecting Pietrapertosa to Castelmezzano.

What is it? Very simple: the zipline is an installation that allows to join two precise points using sturdy steel cables, specially designed to enable the most adventurous people to experience a truly breathtaking thrill by remaining hanging mid-air and sliding along the metal rope at speed peaks even exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, enjoying a crazy view and experiencing the vivid sensations of increasing adrenaline. Wow, isn’t it?

The zipline of Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano travels along a route of about 1500 metres, hanging at an average height of 400 meters and with a travel time of less than 2 minutes at maximum speed; you can enjoy this amazing experience alone or as a couple, for a truly unique memory of your holiday in Basilicata!

Did you know that in other areas of southern Italy it is also possible to experience a breathtaking flight through the mountains by zipline? For further information, check out below!

Speaking of mountains...in addition to the magical experience of zipline flight, here in Pietrapertosa and its surroundings you can satisfy your desire for adventure by exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Lucanian Dolomites, a particular mountain range that constitutes a real natural park full of biodiversity.

The wild nature of this land makes the territory an ideal destination to discover when the weather is good, between spring and summer, with the possibility for more sporty travelers to venture out exploring guided routes and paths in search of wonderful views to photograph, but also areas where to relax, meditate and enjoy direct touch with nature, such as Lake Camastra.

When it comes to direct and profound touch between human and nature, here in Pietrapertosa as in many other places in Basilicata it’s not a joke. In fact, even today after centuries and centuries of history, tradition and folklore, ancient and fascinating arboreal rituals are celebrated in this region retracing the strong bond binding us to Earth and faith.

In particular, in Pietrapertosa is celebrated every year on the Sunday following the celebration of Sant'Antonio (13 June) the Festa del Mascio, an arboreal ritual associated with religious faith which fills the Montepiano forest (in nearby Accettura) and the village’s alleys with charm. The ritual first involves identifying a carefully selected turkey oak and a holly tree within the woods, aiming to unite the trunk of the former with the top of the latter.

The cutting of trees is a festive occasion, where fresh and typical local foods are usually consumed (in particular meat and seasonal vegetables); the portions cut from the two trees are subsequently transported on carts pulled by oxen to the town. The following day the most solemn moment of the entire arboreal ritual occurs, when the turkey oak and the holly tree are grafted onto each other and raised to the sky, staging a true harmonious and allegorical union between heaven and earth also accompanied by the procession with the saint's statue in Pietrapertosa.

In the essence of these particular arboreal ritual, even today, it’s possible to rediscover the identity of a place that doesn’t forget its roots, of a welcoming and lush land, of emotions and sensations that are difficult to explain simply in words. To discover them and experience all this first-hand, all you have to do is arrange your next trip to Basilicata now!

If you are preparing for an adventurous and exciting trip to Basilicata, and after discovering the wonders of Pietrapertosa with us you have already added the gem of Lucanian Dolomites in your itinerary, it's time to check out all the other fantastic places that it is possible to visit in this magical region.

Between unmissable places to discover and beautiful villages to explore, such as the ghost town of Craco and the suggestive overlook on the Ionian Sea of Rotondella, Basilicata is a region that knows how to welcome and satisfy even the most demanding tourists, with an enchanting landscape balance between sea and mountains and a wild territory perfect for a road trip.

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