Viggianello: Nature, Trails and Living Traditions

Hiking Trails and Mountain Landscapes

There are several trails in Viggianello for hiking in Pollino National Park. Pollino National Park lists a moderately difficult trail rated E from Viggianello to Colle dell'Abete. It also lists a trail rated T in Viggianello from Rifugio De Gasperi to Belvedere di Malvento. The different starting and destination points give you clear options for planning your hiking days.

A trail near Viggianello's municipal amphitheatre climbs to the 1,550-metre-high Serra Mauro and passes through a mixed forest dominated by holm oaks. The trail to Serra Mauro also leads to observation huts from which the deer reintroduced since 2002 can be observed. The source of the Mercure River is located in Viggianello.

Churches with Byzantine Traces

The Chiesa della Santissima Trinità has a Basilian dome, displays Byzantine traces and contains several frescoes that have re-emerged. The Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola still preserves its east–west orientation, as traditionally found in Byzantine churches. Because of its importance during the Riti arborei, it is an important reference point for Viggianello.

Sanctuaries and Historical Testimonies

According to tradition, the Madonna dell'Alto Sanctuary was built towards the end of the 18th century following a miracle; the year of construction, 1775, is engraved on the entrance portal. The Sant'Antonio Convent houses a white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child by Pietro Bernini. Both places offer different perspectives on Viggianello's religious and artistic history.

The Archaeological Park of the Caves comprises around 18 rock formations located outside the built-up area and is of great historical and archaeological value. The Fratelli Tancredi hydroelectric power station, built in 1929, provides a different historical focus. Thus, the range of places worth visiting extends from rock formations to a 20th-century technical structure.

Riti arborei in Pedali and Viggianello

In Pedali, the Feast of Saint Francis of Paola takes place in the first week after Easter, featuring the elaborate Riti arborei. During the celebration, the “pitu” and “cuccagna” trees are transported into the village by oxen. In Viggianello, the Riti arborei in honour of Saint Francis of Paola are held in the fourth week of August. If you would like to plan your trip around the cultural calendar, these two dates mark different occasions within the local festive tradition.

Activities for Trip Planning

Rafting is also one of the water activities available in Viggianello at Infopollino Centro Escursioni. Together with the trails to Serra Mauro, Colle dell'Abete and Belvedere di Malvento, this creates a broad range of themes for your days in the area. When choosing a hotel in Viggianello, you can therefore first decide whether you would like to focus on hiking trails and wildlife observation, churches and sanctuaries, archaeological evidence or the Riti arborei. The specific place and experience names will help you organise your travel plans precisely.

Discover More Destinations

For additional destinations in your travel planning, you can also view Picerno, Palazzo San Gervasio, Francavilla In Sinni, Grumento Nova, Ginestra, San Chirico Raparo, Brienza and Pietrapertosa.

To the higher-level travel overview: Potenza.