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.
Up there in the top
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:
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.
Village of Viggianello
Municipality of Viggianello
Province of Potenza
Basilicata Region
Population: 3.007
Altitude centre: 500 m s.l.m.
The Municipality is part of:
I Borghi più belli d'Italia
Natural Protected areas:
Pollino National Park
Municipality of Viggianello
Corso Sen. De Filpo 22 - Viggianello (PZ)
Tel. +39 0973 664311
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