The jouney is suitable only for those who are reasonably fit, as the climb up La Sellat is challenging but the view of  the country you will see really is worth the physical effort.

Difficulty

Medium / High

Departure

From the city of Potenza

Check

   Potenza

Distance

54 km

Road surface

Asphalt

Recommended period

from April to October

Attractions

WWF Lake Marsh, The forests of Sellata and Pierfaone, Abriola, Pignola

FIRST STAGE: PANTANO LAKE

The first stage is in Potenza at the WWF Oasis of Pantano lake. The reserve was created in 1990 to protect the vegetation and fauna of the lake, willows, alders, poplars and Mediterranean macchia are an important way station for of migratory birds and nesting of resident birds. Bird lovers can observe wooden hut raptors, buzzards, herons, cormorants, hawks, gazettes.

A bike path runs along the entire perimeter of the reservoir.

FOR FURTER INFORMATION PLEASE READ OUR PAGE ABOUT POTENZA

SECOND SAGE: SELLATA AND PIERFAONE

Leaving Lake Pantano the climb starts to reach the pass of Sellata (1250 m) and Pierfaone (1400 m). In the winter months the area is a ski resort with about 10 kilometers of ski pistes.

THIRD STAGE: ABRIOLA

A spectacular descent leads to the small town of Abriola. Recommended is a walk in the streets of this village, there is the particularly fine church of San Valentino and the medieval tower with a square plan that remembers the Abriola past: an Arab stronghold.

FOURTH STAGE: PIGNOLA

Returning to  Potenza by bicycle it is a must to stop in the village of Pignola that we met along the way outward. Palaces of the seventeenth and eighteenth century, with many beautiful stone portals of the historic center. Of particular interest is the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Leaving Pignola we return to Potenza.