Viggianello

Nestled between the highest mountains of Pollino National Park, the village of Viggianello, in Basilicata, is the ideal destination for those who love active holidays and in the open air in all four seasons of the year. The historic center of the village develops close to a rocky outcrop covering a stunning position and dominating the whole valley of the Mercure/Lao. In the highest point there is the castle, was probably built on the ruins of a Roman fortress that stood to control of the vast territory. The beauty of the landscape and the numerous historic-artistic testimonies make this place casket of art, history and tradition. The old town is rich in small squares and plazas and many are the portals worked in stone dating back to the XVIII century and beyond to the numerous churches and palaces.

ll country covers a central position in the Pollino National Park, an unspoilt place and marked for the many plant and animal species. The flora of the Pollino National Park is very rich and the highest elevations, on steeper slopes, is present the Pino Loricato Species rare in Europe. In addition there are numerous species of animals that live the Park among which particular importance is directed at the wolf of the Apennines and the otter species liveable only in areas little antropizzate and not subject to pollution. For its strategic position the village is also an ideal base to make beautiful walks to discover the nature of the Park. Simply walk along the trail that climbs toward Serra Mauro to reach the Red Deer wildlife area or walk toward the source of the Mercure-Lao (the largest of the Park). For those who love trekking will reach the plateau of high altitude: Visitone Plan (1400 m asl), Colle Impiso (1560 m asl) and Ruggio Plan (1500 m asl). In autumn the woods are rich in mushrooms and chestnuts and winter with snow, the mountain becomes a paradise of snow rackets.

In addition to its natural beauty, Viggianello enjoys a considerable fame for its culinary specialties typical. The typical cuisine viggianellese, handed down from generation to generation, offers to the visitor dishes of the poor, linked to the history, that maintain unchanged the tastes of once. Are dishes to satisfy the palates of those who love the simplicity and the fruits of the earth. Among these there is the Rappasciona, an ancient typical soup of peasant culture based on white bean, maize and cereals. Thanks to these simple ingredients, today the Rappasciona can be considered among the soups vegan the oldest in the world. According to tradition the Rappasciona must be prepared on the night of San Silvestro, 31 December, to be eaten in the family in the New Year as a sign of good luck and prosperity for the whole family.

• Red Deer Wildlife Area. Reachable only on foot, walking distance from the village of Viggianello continue on the path of the Red Deer Wildlife Area where with a little luck you succeed to sight deer.
• Botanical Garden. Walking near the amphitheater City. Are all of the arboreal species of the Pollino National Park.
• The source of the Mercure. Situated 2 km from the historic center is the larger source of the Park. From the Source is the origin of the river Mercure/Lao. Also the name of the country of Viggianello is bound to this water: legend has it that a queen barbara lost the ring in the limpid water and when his subjects the convened screamed cheerfully saw-ring queen.

Up there in the top

• Piano Visitone. It is the first plateau at high altitude that meets leaving the provincial road SP4 and climbing toward Colle Impiso and Ruggio Plan. At 1400 meters between the beech forest there is this beautiful and wide glade that is worth a stop.
• Ruggio plan and the Belvedere of Malvento. From the village of Viggianello continuing for about 20 km you will arrive in the plateau is the most beautiful in the Park at 1550 m asl. An easy trail leads you to the Belvedere of Malvento where you can admire the loricati pines, trees, symbol of the Pollino.
• Colle Impiso. Located between Visitone plane and the plane Ruggio is a strategic place for all lovers of trekking. From this location depart all the paths to reach the peaks over 2000 meters (Mount Pollino, Dolcedorme Serra, Serra del Prete, Serra delle Ciavole and Serra Crispo).

Picnic areas in the Mount of Basso

The Mount of Basso of Viggianello is a unique place for biodiversity. To reach it continue to locality Gallizzi and follow the indications on the spot. After about 12 km you will arrive in a pleasant place and rich in water. The mountain, between 800 and 1000 meters asl, is crossed by the torrent Peschiera with extensive beech forests and trees of secular Cerri. Ideal place for a picnic thanks to the numerous equipped. To visit absolutely:

• Fontana Scura Picnic Area
• Peschiera Torrent Trail and Chiaito Fountain Picnic Area 
• Equipped Area Santuario Madonna dell'Alto
• Secular Turkey Oak Trail and Pastoroso Picnic Area

There is an InfoPoint in Piazza Carella, at the amphitheater City, open from July 1 to August 31 all days and during other months all saturdays and sundays and public holidays. Time 9-12 and 16-19.
For information Tel. 39 0973 664311 Tourist Office Common Viggianello.

To the Tourist Information Office is also available the Ebike rental service and the maps of the Pollino National Park.

BY CAR

• Highway A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria:
  - exit Laino Borgo
  - exit Lauria sud
  - exit Lauria nord
  - Campotenese exit
• Sinnica State Road:
  - Valle del Frido exit

ON THE TRAIN

• Sapri station
• Maratea station
• Sibari station

BY PLANE

• Naples airport
• Bari airport
• Lamezia Terme airport