10 things to do and to see in Pietrapertosa

A complete and detailed guide of 10 things to do and to see in Pietrapertosa

Pietrapertosa, situated in the heart of the Gallipoli Cognato Park and the Piccole Dolomiti Lucane, is a small town of only 956 inhabitants with their houses perched on a rocky spur of 1,100 meters. This village, where time seems to have stopped, is all to be discovered in its history, nature, adrenaline experiences and traditional flavors.

The most characteristic area of ​​Pietrapertosa is Arabata, the oldest district of the village which name is due to the Arabs who lived here for almost fifty years. Strolling through the narrow streets, unchanged over time, will bring you to a fascinating past. Discover the perched houses, the labyrinthine alleys, the stairways that lead up to the highest part of the village: in Arabata, time seems to have stopped, and the medieval charm that has made the town one of the most beautiful villages in Italy remains alive.

On top of Pietrapetrosa, beyond Arabata, there is another very suggestive place. It is the Norman-Swabian Castle, which ruins seem to arise from the rock. Already existing in Roman times, it became very important during the Norman domination thanks to its strategic position. During the seventeenth century the castle was abandoned, until it was restored and brought to its actual splendor. Take a picture of the Queen’s Throne, a rock alcove accessible via a very steep staircase.

If you spend a few days in the village, the Gvine bistrot will become your favorite place. Opened for breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner, it is at the aperitif time that it gives its best. In a creative environment with contemporary furnishings, you can enjoy exquisite platters of strictly Lucanian products, accompanied by 20 labels of craft beer and excellent local wines. Not only: at Gvine bistrot you can also do shopping. A series of local products are displayed here, all of which can be purchased, so to bring home with you a piece of beautiful Basilicata.

Those who do not suffer from vertigo must absolutely challenge the altitude with The Flight of the Angel, an adrenaline-pumping attraction that allows you to fly between Pietrapertosa and the rocks of the nearby village of Castelmezzano hanging on a steel cable. In complete safety, you will whiz through the air for more than a kilometer and a half, at an altitude of 400 meters, in a flight that will allow you to admire the town and the majesty of the mountains that surround it.

Do you want to take an original souvenir photo? Go to Piazza Plebiscito and point the camera towards the facade of the school building. There you will find the Solar Clock, also known as the Sundial of Pietrapertosa: it was recently built, and it is particular because it shows, in a stylized way, a glimpse of the old panorama of the town dominated by the rocky peak “beak of the owl”, demolished during the security works.

The cuisine of Pietrapertosa has rural flavors and tells the mountain soul of the village. You can enjoy it in all its genuineness at La Locanda di Pietra, a trattoria with a characteristic setting that aims to enhance the dishes of the Lucanian gastronomic tradition and local raw materials. Do not miss the roasted lamb typical of Pietrapertosa, the most famous cured meats and cheeses of Basilicata and those produced by small local companies, the mushrooms collected in the woods owned by the inn and the seasonal vegetables that come directly from the farm’s gardens.

The charm of Pietrapertosa must be experienced by staying in the heart of the village, an experience that you can live thanks to numerous bed & breakfasts created within traditional homes. Like Il Palazzo del Barone, which has been able to maintain historical details and combine them with the most modern comfort. Its location allows you to comfortably explore the country and, in the living room, a rich breakfast is included. Petra home holiday is also very characteristic, b&b in the center with rooms that maintain original stone elements and combine them with contemporary design. It has a nice terrace, a relaxation area and a kitchen with a microwave, a refrigerator and an oven.

The nature of the Lucanian Dolomites are good for many outdoor activities. One of the most popular is the Via Ferrata, an equipped route that allows you to reach otherwise inaccessible points. This is a difficult itinerary, to be undertaken only if you are experienced and equipped with complete via ferrata equipment. For those who feel able to face the challenge, the start is located in the Antro delle Streghe area: from here begins the Via Ferrata Marcirosa, 1,778 meters long and with a vertical drop of 331 meters.