La Gradinata Normanna, a stairway to the sky

The Gradinata Normanna is a singular staircase carved into the rock of one of the mountain towers that overlook the village of Castelmezzano (Potenza).

Climbing to the top to the east of the village, the stone road narrows more and more between the walls of the mountain.

Going up a steep staircase you reach the top of the mountain and you can easily get to the steps.

Carved into the rock, the 54 steps of the staircase tell a story of conquests and battles.

The staircase was in fact a dizzying lookout point built over the fortress of the ancient castle of Castrum Medianum, the ancient name of Castelmezzano.

From the top of the stack, in fact, it was possible to admire a large part of the territory and spot any enemy incursions.

Climbing the steps is possible today, but only by making sure to the via Ferrata present on the rocky wall.

From the top you can enjoy the beautiful panorama of the Little Lucanian Dolomites and the Gallipoli Cognato Park.