Departure: Calvello
Arrival: Brienza, Contrada Santa Maria degli Angeli
Length: 28.8 km
Elevation gain: 880 m
Elevation loss: 910 m
Travel time: 8h38m
The route starts in Calvello, the village of ceramics, from the square overlooked by the ancient church with the adjoining Franciscan convent of Santa Maria De Plano, entirely decorated with frescoes. It begins with an ascent towards Corso Garibaldi and, after passing the square with the church of St. John the Baptist, continues along Corso Vittorio Emanuele. From here, after passing a staircase on Piazza Sedile, you will soon reach Via Riviera Umberto I and continue straight on at the junction with the SP16, entering Via Riviera Boreale, which leads uphill to the entrance to the dirt track (at km 1). When you reach the junction at km 3.18 in the open countryside, turn left and head south-west along the sunny path, from where you can see the outlines of Volturino, Sacro Monte di Viggiano, Raparo and Calvelluzzo. At km 5, keeping to the right, the path crosses a young oak forest and after about 500 m, at the crossroads at 1153 m, continue on the left. Here the path widens and at km 6.8 it runs alongside the Cerro Falcone oil extraction well, which you pass by continuing straight ahead. At km 9.12, at the crossroads at 1330 m, turn left and follow the SP13 for about 100 m, then turn immediately left towards Piana del Lago, which is 500 m further on. The Marsico Nuovo lake basin is a true paradise of biodiversity, where it is not uncommon to encounter horses grazing freely alongside Podolica cattle and flocks of goats and sheep. A long stop among the centuries-old beech trees surrounding the lake is a must, enjoying the magnificent spring water from the local sources. Resuming the walk, cross the Marsiconuovo-Lama-Sellata road again in the direction of Fontana delle Brecce, which can be reached via a pleasant shaded path at km 12.5. Here too, the beauty of the Lucanian Apennine Park is at its best: a large clearing surrounds the CAI refuge in an area equipped for bivouacking, where there is also a precious spring.
Resuming the journey, after reaching 1,383 metres on the slopes of Monte Maruggio, the descent begins towards the Costara di Sasso di Castalda forest, which is reached at kilometre 16.8 via the 5.5-kilometre Mariele Ventre trail, named after the historic director and founder of the Antoniano Choir of Bologna, who was born in Sasso di Castalda in 1939. Turn right and walk for 500 metres, then continue on the left into the Costara forest of tall beech trees where, at km 18.4, you will come across the legendary beech tree of San Michele, which is well worth a hug. After about 400 metres, when you reach the junction at the Chapel of San Michele, turn left and walk along the stream. At km 20.8, cross the municipal road (1084 m) and continue downhill on the Frassati path, which quickly leads to Sasso di Castalda. The village of Ponte alla Luna has a magnificent historic centre with stone houses that is well worth a visit. From here, continue downhill towards Contrada Rustiello and continue straight on until km 26.8, where you turn left and then immediately right towards the centre of Brienza. Climbing the steps leading to Piazza Unità d'Italia, on the right, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the medieval village dominated by the majestic Caracciolo castle (km 27.2). Continue along Corso Mario Pagano, named after the great jurist and constitutionalist born in Brienza and killed in 1799, turn right northwards to take the rural path that leads to the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, skirting the Pergola stream where there are also the remains of the ancient Burgentine mills. Upon arrival at this unexpected location, you will be greatly surprised because the church, built at the beginning of the 17th century, features a complete cycle of frescoes by Pietrafesa, depicting stories of St. Francis and the Virgin Mary. It is a marvel that forms part of MuLabo, the Museum Laboratory of Art and Landscape, also an Environmental Education Centre, which brings this unmissable place to life.
