11 – Round trip in the mountains of Potenza, climbing up through the greenery to observe the stars
Difficulty: high
Bike type: gravel / road racing / e-bike
Departure: Potenza
Arrival: Potenza
Total miles: 56km
Road surface: 90% asphalt
Height difference ascent: 1710 m
Height difference descent: 1720 m
Time of year: from April to November
Detour to Brindisi di Montagna (+46.4 km round trip)
ROUTE
Circular route with long but cyclable climbs and almost non-existent traffic. Being at a fairly high elevation, the route is not recommended in the middle of winter, but highly recommended in summer, thanks also to the thick tree cover.
ROUTE 11a
It starts from Potenza, the highest regional capital in Italy. Elegant and welcoming, the city develops around the old town centre dating back thousands of years, made up of stately palazzi and ancient gates, medieval towers and historic stone steps, narrow alleys and cobbled streets and featuring the Theatre, museums and art galleries.
The tour continues towards Pantano di Pignola, to admire the Regional Nature Reserve and WWF Oasis of Lago Pantano, another spectacular natural area with signposted trails, rich vegetation and numerous bird species, making it the ideal destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
After passing Pignola, the town of the “hundred portals” that decorate its beautiful old town centre, you reach the Sellata Pass (1250 masl) in the heart of the Val D’Agri Lagonegrese National Park in the Lucanian Apennines, known for its outstanding natural beauty, and then Monte Pierfaone at and altitude of 1400 metres.
After a spectacular descent to Abriola, the town of San Valentino, patron saint of lovers, made up of a series of narrow streets and unexpected viewpoints, you reach Calvello. Here, the tour allows you to explore other territories, the Lucanian Dolomites, the Pertusillo Dam and the archaeological area of Grumentum.
Strolling through the old centre of Calvello, made up of stone houses stacked together and steep alleys, often reachable only on foot, you discover the small craft shops selling traditional ceramic art.
Leaving Calvello behind you, the route begins to climb again, skirting Anzi, on whose summit stands the Planetario, the Astronomical Observatory that uses a powerful telescope to discover the mysteries of the universe through fascinating journeys among the stars.
The next stop before returning to Potenza is in Rifreddo (1130 masl). Here, you can make a detour to Brindisi di Montagna, a medieval village with panoramic views over the evocative Grancia Forest, which is the stage for the annual performance of ‘La Storia Bandita’.