Castelmezzano, a town in the province of Potenza under the Lucania region’s Dolomite peaks, is one of the most beautiful gems of the Basilicata region, and one of The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. The most fascinating spectacle to be enjoyed in Castelmezzano is the scenery of the Lucanian Dolomites. Like their more famous namesakes, these sandstone giants also become an enchanting spectacle at sunset when, as if by magic, they turn a glowing pink.
In Castelmezzano the Normans staved off the enemy
The story of Castelmezzano dates back to ancient times, but it’s wealth and prosperity arrived around the year 1000 with the Normans, who exploited the fantastic position of this small village (halfway between Pietrapertosa and Albano) to monitor and stave off the advance of their Arab enemies.
Numerous intersecting stairways and steps
You arrive in the village through its natural door: a tunnel dug into the rock face that leads straight into the main square. And you will find yourself in a magical place. Strolling around the historic centre you admire old buildings and the numerous and steep stairways and steps that intersect one another and invite you to ascend to the mountain peaks that soar behind the town.
Legends of the Knights Templar
Castelmezzano has always been surrounded by an aura of mystery thanks to the many legends about the Knights Templar. The remains of the fortress, the stone staircase, the coat of arms in the town hall with the symbol of the Order of the Templars, the Church of Santa Maria dell’Olmo and an ancient tree which is considered sacred, all speak of the presence of the ancient knights.
Exhilarating zip line rides
Today smart tourism is doing justice to the charm of this location. The most adventurous new attraction is the Angel's Flight, a zip wire that runs from Castelmezzano to Pietrapertos. This exhilarating ride, suspended at over 1,000 metres high, is sure to delight young and old.
