Departure: Sanctuary of the Madonna Sacro Monte Viggiano
Arrival: Marsico Nuovo – S. Maria di Costantinopoli
Length: 20.5 km
Elevation gain: 370 m
Elevation loss: 1370 m
Walking time: 6h8m
The route starts from the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna of Sacro Monte di Viggiano, the central hub of the Cammino dei Cinti, which reaches an altitude of almost 1,700 metres above sea level. After admiring the breathtaking view from the top of the mountain dedicated to the patron saint of the Lucanians, head to the rear of the sanctuary and take the ancient sheep track that descends the ridge of Monte Augustella. Paying attention to the footpath that winds its way over the rocky ground, skirting some black pine reforestation areas, you proceed surrounded by a clear highland landscape where it is common to see red kites and peregrine falcons in flight. After about two kilometres, when you have already descended to 1440 metres above sea level, you will see the Laura Valley with its characteristic karst landscape on the left, while on the right you can see a lush beech forest in the distance. At km 2.93, you reach the large clearing of the Tuppo delle Seti crossroads (1286 m), an ancient meeting place for shepherds and transhumant flocks. After crossing the SP141 road, take the Ventennale path (501) that comes from Monte Volturino, continuing straight towards Marsicovetere. The path continues through the Calanche pine forest, skirting the Fosso Salicone, and at km 5.34 it reaches the crossroads from which you can easily reach Marsicovetere, less than a kilometre away and well worth a visit for its splendid historic centre, which stands out against the Agri Valley, completely camouflaged in the rock.
To continue towards Marsico Nuovo, at the junction with the paved road at km 5.34, make a U-turn and head north towards Volturino, which stands out on the horizon. Shortly after reaching the Copone spring, where you must fill your water bottles, the Strada Vicinale Volturino continues through the sunny countryside of Marsicovetere for a long, almost flat stretch, until km 10.6, where the dirt path begins to climb towards the Romanelli Refuge. At the junction that leads to the refuge and the nearby refreshment area in a welcoming mixed beech forest, turn left to take the path that leads to Contrada Scruppo di Marsico Nuovo. From km 15, the rural road is paved and shortly afterwards offers a splendid view of the Agri Valley. At the junction with Via Scruppo at km 18, continue downhill, keeping to the left, while on the horizon to the right you can see the ancient buildings of Civita di Marsico Nuovo. The road continues straight towards the Agri Valley until km 19.2, where you turn right near the Rione Santa Maria district, downstream from Marsico Nuovo, and the Church of Santa Maria del Ponte or Costantinopoli, located on the banks of the ancient Akiris, a witness to the history of the Universitas Marsicense with its fine stone portal and splendid frescoed vault. However, the entire historic centre of Marsico Nuovo, the centuries-old seat of the diocese, is worth seeing, starting with the Abbey Church of S. Gianuario and the entire Civita that it dominates. Not to mention the former Benedictine Convent in the Casale district, home to the Appennino Lucano National Park, which offers a breathtaking view of the Agri Valley.
