Amidst monumental trees and stone giants in the Lucanian Dolomites

to embrace exploration methods with a natural ecological charm. For example, by following the Sentiero dei Giganti, which starts from the village of Castelmezzano and climbs up to Cima dell’Uva, passing by Monte Maudoro. The panoramic views that unfold offer thrilling close-up vistas of the stone giants of the Lucanian Dolomites, the result of atmospheric erosion, allowing our imagination to run wild in attributing human and animal forms to these irregular shapes created by nature. Furthermore, the Explore Castelmezzano guides are highly skilled at spotting the nests of the extremely rare black stork, as well as tracking the flight patterns of the red kite, the kestrel and the peregrine falcon. The five-kilometre ‘Monumental Trees’ trail also promises to be highly evocative, as you walk side by side with centuries-old oaks protected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry: just think that the most monumental of them all boasts a circumference of over 7 metres and a height of 17 metres, with an estimated age of 430 years. The Farmers’ Trail, on the other hand, offers a journey into the agricultural past of the Lucanian Dolomites, as you walk along the ancient route linking Castelmezzano and Piano dell’Arena, an area that has always been devoted to viticulture, amidst the remains of ancient rural buildings and terraces that were once cultivated. Explore Castelmezzano also offers a selection of authentic accommodation options for your stay, faithful examples of local architecture such as Casa delle Stelle, dell’Arco, dell’Avventura and del Mago. From there to Potenza, it’s another hour’s journey, which you can spend reflecting on these wonderful September adventures.